Making Black Eyed Peas Falafel

I promised Delima I’d make something hipster-worthy today. I hope this is up to par, though I think the addition of mayonnaise might make it less acceptable under that category. I do have to mention that everything were made from scratch. From the pita bread to the lemon mayonnaise. The peas were not canned; I soaked them overnight and boiled them for 2 hours until they were soft. Then they were mashed without the aid of a food processor. How’s that for saving the earth? Hipster worthy? I definitely like to think so.

Black Eyed Peas Falafel:

[ 400g boiled black eyed peas or from 1-15 ounce canned black eyed peas (drained) + 1 teaspoon coriander + 1 teaspoon salt + 1 teaspoon black pepper + 1 teaspoon curry powder + a handful of coriander leaves, chopped + 2 green onion, chopped + 2 cloves garlic, minced + 1/2 onion, minced + 1 egg + 2 tablespoons flour ] OPTIONAL: Sesame seeds.

Boil (after soaking overnight) and drain the peas (or just drain if you’re using the canned ones). Mash with a potato masher to your preferred consistency. I like mine a little bit chunky. Add in the spices, garlic, onions and coriander leaves. Crack and beat the egg before also adding that in, followed by the flour. Mix thoroughly until it forms a mixture that can be formed in to a ball.

Shape pea mixture into 18 (2-inch) cakes (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) and roll in the sesame seeds (optional). Heat some olive oil in a frying pan and shallow-fry. Drain on paper towels.

Pita Bread:(Makes 8 pitas)

[3 cups flour + 1 1/2 teaspoons salt + 1 tablespoon sugar + 1 packet yeast (or, if from bulk, 2 teaspoons yeast) + 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups water, roughly at room temperature + 2 tablespoons olive oil]

For instructions, go to The Fresh Loaf.

I was a bit apprehensive as I was cutting the dough into pieces, considering what happened when I made the bagels. I kept my eyes on my fingers and was rewarded with no sight of blood. I should really consider doing it more.

To serve:

Snip the pita bread into halves and stuff with lettuce, cherry tomatoes and the falafel. Drizzle with lemon mayonnaise or hummus or tahini sauce (or whatever else you fancy).

Enjoy!