Split Green Peas Falafel

Split Green Peas Falafel are weeknight friendly, make-ahead, and healthier take on traditional falafel. These are gluten-free, vegan friendly as well! 

It’s almost back to school time although nothing really changes for me. I am in Summer school and I work full-time so there is that.  For many people, back to school means end of Summer and transitioning back to regular hustle and bustle of things. To make mealtime little less stressful, I have partnered with Farmer Direct to bring you Split Green Peas Falafel.

These vegan, gluten-free falafels are totally weeknight friendly and lunch-box appropriate; if you are really short on time (which I assume will be the case) – you can prep them ahead of time as they heat-up (and freeze) beautifully.

Farmer Direct is 100% farmer-owned co-operative! They are also 100% certified organic as well as 100% domestic fair trade which means they treat workers fairly and farmers are paid a fair price. 

I am a huge fan of all things pulses, which includes peanuts, soybeans, dried/fresh peas and beans, chickpeas, and lentils. They are a wonderful source of plant-based protein, fiber as well as other vitamins and minerals!! Compared to beans, lentils and split peas take less time to cook; 20-25 for lentils and 40-45 minutes for split peas. Per every cup of pea, use 3 cups of water and simmer for 30-45 minutes until it is cooked. It should easily break when pressed with your fingers.

Presoaking them helps reduce the cooking time even more. For Split Green Peas Falafel, I highly recommend presoaking and cooking lentils ahead to save your time. Most pulses including split green peas falafel can be cooked (or kept frozen) ahead of time, something I do regularly during meal prepping. 

Falafels are deep-fried vegetarian fritters that originated in Middle East. Traditionally they are made with fava beans, chickpeas, or combination of both. Split Green Peas Falafels are inspired by traditional falafel but they are pan-fried and made with split green peas rather than chickpeas or fava beans. They are not crispy like the fried version but they are pretty delicious and definitely healthier esp. for your everyday meals.

The boyfriend and I enjoyed Split Green Peas Falafel on naan with herb-garlic yogurt sauce (see notes for the recipe) and cucumber tomato salad. Feel free to use them however you please. I could see them on top of crunchy greens loaded with cucumber, tomatoes, and onions with a dollop of hummus or herb-garlic yogurt sauce. Bonus point – Split Green Peas Falafel can be enjoyed warm or cold, kind of reminds of falafel from Whole Foods salad bar.

Split Green Peas Falafel

Author: Dixya @Food, Pleasure, and Health

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoon olive oil (to cook)
• 1 cup cooked split green peas
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup buckwheat flour
• 1 large lemon, squeezed
• 2 teaspoon cumin powder
• salt, pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a food processor, pulse split green peas, garlic, onion, cilantro, parsley, flour, cumin, lemon, salt, and pepper until it turns into a coarse meal, not mushy.
2. Stir everything together and transfer into a bowl.
3. Take 2-2.5 tablespoon of mixture and roll them into a ball and slightly flatten them. Continue with the remaining mixture and set it aside.
4. Heat a large pan with oil. Pan fry falafel for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown on both sides.
5. Remove from heat and serve them as needed.

Notes:

Reheat them in a microwave (45-60 seconds) or in a pan over medium heat with little oil.

To freeze : store cooked falafel in an airtight, freezer-friendly container. Allow them to thaw before reheating.

Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Combine 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoon chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoon chopped parsley, 2 tablespoon dill, 1 large lemon squeezed, salt and pepper. For chunkier texture, add 1/4 cup shredded cucumber.

I’d like to thank Farmer Direct for your partnership. And a big kudos for all that you do in creating a fair food system, providing nutritious food, and promoting sustainable, organic agriculture and environmental practices.

You can purchase Farmer Direct products in the bulk sections of participating Whole Foods Markets, food cooperatives and natural foods stores in Canada and the United States.  Additionally, they also have 1 pound shelf packages that are sold exclusively at Whole Foods Markets in the United States. They have different legumes, grains, oats, and seeds you can choose from!