Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSunflower Drive-InFalafel Recipe

Falafel Recipe

Inspired by Sunflower Drive-In
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Patty is made from garbanzo beans, cashews, and sesame seeds seasoned with cumin and curry, served on pocket bread with sauce, onions, sprouts, tomatoes, and topped with lettuce cucumber and yogurt.

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Ingredients

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Falafel Patties

Method

Prepare Falafel Mixture

  1. 1

    Soak Garbanzo Beans

    Soak the garbanzo beans for at least 8 hours or overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse before using.

  2. 2

    Blend Ingredients

    In a food processor, combine the soaked garbanzo beans, cashews, sesame seeds, cumin, curry powder, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but holds together when pressed.

  3. 3

    Add Baking Powder

    Add baking powder to the mixture and pulse again to combine. If the mixture is too loose, add flour a little at a time until it holds together.

  4. 4

    Chill Mixture

    Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help with shaping.

Fry Falafel

  1. 5

    Heat Oil

    In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

  2. 6

    Form Patties

    With wet hands, form the chilled mixture into small patties or balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

  3. 7

    Fry Patties

    Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

  4. 8

    Drain Oil

    Once cooked, remove the patties from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Assemble and Serve

  1. 9

    Prepare Pita

    Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or oven if desired.

  2. 10

    Fill Pita

    Stuff each pita pocket with fried falafel patties, then add sliced onion, sprouts, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cucumber slices.

  3. 11

    Add Sauce

    Top with yogurt, and drizzle with additional sauce if desired.

  4. 12

    Serve

    Serve immediately while warm, with additional vegetables on the side.

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