Classic Baked Falafel

 
 

Serves 6 - 8

Procedure

  1. Soak the organic chickpeas overnight. Make sure the water covers the chickpeas by 2 to 3 inches, as they'll triple in size. Add a quarter tsp of baking soda as they soak.

  2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and add them to your food processor, along with the onion, parsley, cilantro, pepper, garlic, cumin, salt, cardamom, and black pepper. 

  3. Pulse the food processor several times until the mixture resembles the texture of coarse sand. 

  4. Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and add the chickpea flour and baking soda. Stir together, then cover or add a lid and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 

  5. Use your hands, an ice cream scoop, or a falafel scoop to form the falafel into balls or patties. If you find the mixture is too wet, you can add another tablespoon of chickpea flour. If it's too dry and crumbly, you can add a teaspoon or two of water or lemon juice. 

  6. To bake, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake until crispy, around 20-30 minutes. You can also fry the falafel. To do that, add about 3 inches of avocado oil to a pot on medium heat. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Cook the falafel in batches (about 6 to 8 at a time) for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden. 

  7. Remove the falafel on to a platter lined with paper towel to remove the extra oil.

  8. Serve the falafel immediately, while warm and crispy on the outside. They're delicious with tahini or tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight (don't use canned chickpeas)

½ cup roughly chopped onion

1 cup roughly chopped parsley, about one large bunch

1 cup roughly chopped cilantro, about one large bunch

1 small green chili pepper (serrano or jalapeno pepper)

3 garlic cloves

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt

3 green cardamom pods, crushed and with the husk removed

¼ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp chickpea flour (or other flour)

½ tsp baking soda

Avocado oil for frying (optional)


Pork Gyoza

 
 

Serves 6 - 8

Procedure

  1. Combine cabbage and 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl, then set aside for 20 minutes to allow the cabbage to wilt slightly.

  2. Place remaining filling ingredients (including remaining 1/2 tsp salt) in a large bowl. Squeeze out any excess water from the cabbage and add to the bowl.

  3. Use your hands to mix the filling.

  4. Sprinkle a baking tray with 1 tsp of cornstarch / cornflour.

  5. Place 1 gyoza wrapper on your palm (left hand for right-handed people). Dip your finger in water and run it around the edge of half the gyoza wrapper (to seal).

  6. Place 1 slightly heaped tbsp of filling on the wrapper. Fold the wrapper over and use your right hand, assisted by your left-hand thumb, to create 4 pleats. Press to seal and place on the tray. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.

  7. To Cook:

    1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet (that has a lid) over medium-high heat.

    2. Place about 12 gyoza in rows, slightly overlapping each other. Cook until the underside is light golden, then pour 1/3 cup of water around the gyoza and place the lid on.

    3. Cook until the water has completely evaporated (so the golden underside is not wet and soggy) and the wrapper is slightly translucent on top - about 3 to 4 minutes.

Ingredients

Filling: 

1 1/2 cups green cabbage, very finely chopped

1 tsp salt, separated

1 lb / 500g ground pork (mince)

1 cup garlic chives, finely chopped 

1 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp ginger, grated

1 tsp sesame oil

1 tbsp cornstarch / corn flour

2 tsp soy sauce

Gyoza:

1 tsp cornflour (cornstarch) - for tray

40 - 45 round wonton wrappers

3 tbsp vegetable oil 

Dipping Sauce:

Soy sauce

Rice wine vinegar

Honey or sugar

Chilli flakes (optional)