Enjoy warm, open-faced pita bread smeared with chickpea parsley falafels, which are pan-fried to a golden brown and then stuffed with fresh mixed greens, sliced crisp pickles, shallots, tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with cool, tangy lemon tahini dressing.
Save time in the kitchen: Read the instructions thoroughly, then gather and prep all your ingredients before cooking! Learn Prepping Tips.
Make the Falafels: Twist off the bottom stems of the parsley, rinse, dry, and place in a food processor. Then, cut one of the shallots and the jalapeno into chunks and blend them with garlic in the food processor.
Drain and pat dry the chickpeas with paper towels. Add them to the food processor and blend to a chunky consistency. Then, add the mixture to a mixing bowl with cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Make the Pitas: Split the pita pockets into two rounds using a bread knife. Then, spread the falafel mixture in even portions onto each open-faced pita, spreading it in an even layer all the way to the edges.
Cook the Pitas: Heat a cast iron skillet on low-medium heat with olive oil. Cook them falafel side down for at least 4 minutes until golden brown, turning them 180 degrees halfway through cooking.
Make the Tahini Dressing: While the pitas are cooking, make the tahini dressing by whisking the tahini, lemon juice, and lemon zest with 1 tablespoon of cold water—season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, chill it in the fridge.
Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and then slice them into strips. Cut the cucumber, remaining shallot, and gherkins into thin strips, mix them all in a bowl, and set them aside. When all of the falafel pitas are done cooking, begin plating up.
Assemble and Serve: Place one of the pitas falafel-side up, top with mixed greens, then with the vegetable strips. Plate the second one and repeat. Drizzle the tahini dressing over both.