I have no problem loving food. There is so much out there to love, that I used to love it more than I should. I loved mostly the fast kind that came through a window, and had usually been supersized. After growing up eating this way, and allowing the habit to trickle into my adult life, I had what we could call a little “health issue” or otherwise known as, 70 pounds overweight. SO, when I was around 19 or 20 I began to learn how to eat well. I learned how to put food in my mouth that tasted good and was actually helping toward the goal of weight loss. Over a long period of time, (about 6 years) I have managed to lose a little over 55 pounds. I tell you that’s a lot of extra weight to carry around! However, in the last two months I have gained back six of those lovely pounds due to my recent marital bliss, and my desire to show off my cooking skills to the new husband! So, this is why, for my first post about food, I give you something deliciously baked, and something just around 300 calories. That is my goal really. To create food that satisfies my snobby taste buds, and will help to keep my body in good working order. It’s the only one we get people. Let’s feed it wisely.

This falafel sandwhich, as it’s called, was really really good. I generally love falafel, so when I saw this on the Weight Watchers website, I knew it was for me. The patties are lightly sateed and then baked in the oven for about 10 minutes which sort of gives the illusion of a fried patty without all the oil. It’s super easy to make, and did I mention delicious?

Baked Falafel Sandwhiches

(weightwatchers.com)

Ingredients:

15 1/2 oz canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup(s) onion(s), chopped
1/4 cup(s) parsley, or cilantro, fresh, chopped
1 medium garlic clove(s), minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp Tribe All Natural Hummus Sesame Tahini, or other brand*
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
8 piece(s) lettuce
4 large wheat pita(s)**

Instructions:

- Combine chickpeas, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt and baking soda in a food processor or blender. Process until mixture is coarsely pureed and transfer to large bowl. Stir in flour; shape mixture into 4 large patties and let stand for 15 minutes.

- Preheat oven to 400ºF.

- Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until golden brown, flipping once, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 10 minutes more.

- Meanwhile, whisk together tahini, water and lemon juice in a small bowl.

- To assemble sandwiches, place 2 lettuce leaves inside each pita, add 1 falafel patty and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of tahini dressing.

*I used 2 tablespoons of hummus with tahini in it. It turned out great.

**I just cut 1 pita into two halves for one serving. I think a whole pita would be too large for this application.