Falafel

2 16 oz cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1 small onion, minced
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (I don't like cilantro, so I left this out)
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
olive oil for frying

Pita Bread
Cucumbers/Tomatoes/Sprouts - whatever you like
Ranch/Cucumber Dressing

Drain and rinse garbanzo beans, then mash in a large bowl. Stir in the onion, garlic, cilantro, parsely, cumin, turmeric, baking powder, bread crumbs, egg, salt and pepper. (Use your hands if necessary!) Shape the mixture into small patties. Heat a few tablespoons olive oil in a skillet and fry the patties until they are a deep golden brown on each side. (This should only take 1-2 minutes on each side.) Put patties into a pita along with veggies and dressing (if you want it).

Price Guesstimate: $8-9-ish

Steph's Comments: If you don't know what falafel is, it's a vegetarian delight - they're kind of like little veggie meatballs, but that's not a great description. Anyway, trust me that it's yummy! :) This dish is a little more than I usually do, but it's way cheaper than getting it at a restaurant, and it is SO GOOD!!! The only ingredient I didn't have on-hand was the turmeric, and I just got that in the spice aisle for a few dollars - it will be nice to have because I will want to make this again! I love falafel - I first tried it at a restaurant a few months ago with some friends, but I assumed it was tricky to make, so I never tried. It's SO EASY! I absolutely loved making this, and my two-year old GOBBLED his up. (My four year old is wired to not like anything labled "dinner" so she didn't, but... ) :) And, my husband who doesn't like "vegetarian" food even liked it (although I think he'd still prefer ribs!). If you're looking for something fun and new, TRY THIS. You'll love it. Oh, I forgot to say I got this recipe from Amy, my cousin - THANK YOU!