Mexican > Tacos > Falafel Tacos

Falafel Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Crema Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cucumber

Cilantro-Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Large skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until mixture is finely chopped and well combined.

2. Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in flour and cornmeal until well combined.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Using a tablespoon, scoop mixture and form into small balls. Flatten slightly to form patties.

5. Fry patties in the skillet until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

6. To make the cilantro-lime crema, combine sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.

7. Warm tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.

8. To assemble tacos, place a few falafel patties on each tortilla. Top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, and chopped cucumber. Drizzle with cilantro-lime crema.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chickpeas can be substituted with any other type of bean.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with queso fresco or cotija cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced avocado or guacamole to the tacos.
- Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb option.
- Add hot sauce or salsa for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas well before using.
- If the falafel mixture is too wet, add more flour and cornmeal.
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized patties.

Storage instructions:
- Falafel patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat falafel patties, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve tacos on a platter with a side of chips and salsa.

Garnishes:
- Garnish tacos with extra cilantro leaves or chopped green onions.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice or quinoa.

Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Hummus and pita bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the falafel patties are falling apart, add more flour and cornmeal to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the falafel patties thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food history:
- Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans.

Flavor profiles:
- The falafel patties are savory and slightly spicy, while the cilantro-lime crema adds a tangy and creamy element to the tacos.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.

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Region: Middle Eastern

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Creamy