Baked Falafel Balls

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tsp green onion, finely minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/4 teaspoons cumin
• 1 1/4 teaspoons coriander
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
• 3/4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs, plus
• 2 teaspoons dried breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parsley, minced
• Chicken/veggie broth, as needed to moisten during blending
• salt
• olive oil flavored cooking spray

Directions:

Prep Time: 75 min Total Time: 30 min Yield: 6

1. Bring water to a boil and remove from the heat. Mix in the quinoa.
2. Cover well and allow to sit until all the water is absorbed -- about 20 minutes.
3. Heat the olive oil in a small pan and saute the onion and garlic over medium heat until the onion is just transparent.
4. Add red chili flakes, cumin, and coriander and saute for 1 more minute.
5. Combine the chickpeas and quinoa in a food processor. Add the lemon juice, bread crumbs, cilantro, parsley and salt and process until just mixed, and has a pleasing texture.
6. Set mixture aside for 15 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
8. Form falafel mixture into 2 inch balls and place on a lightly oiled sheet pan.
9. Spray the balls with some olive oil.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden, turning the pan once during baking.
11. Add to a pita with some tzaziki sauce to eat as a sandwich.

Approx. Calories 150 per serving