Falafel in the Crock Pot

     My room mate at work, Tracey, was talking about how her crock pot saved her and her family for dinner last week.  She also mentioned a new blog she was reading for inspiration, A Year of Slow Cooking.  There are tons of interesting recipes here and ideas for using a slow cooker that I never would have dreamed of.  As I write this, the delicious smell of falafel is drifting through the air.  I never would have thought to make falafel in the crock pot.  I plan to add falafel to my salads this week for a much needed change from my usual soup.

Falafel

Ingredients
I can chick peas
1/2 onion, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp cumin
juice from 1 lemon
3/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
2 tbsp olive oil

Method
1. Rince and drain chick peas.  Mash with a fork or a potato masher.  Set aside.
2. In the food processor, combine onion, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, cumin, and lemon juice.  Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture from the food processor over the chick peas.  Slowly stir in the bread crumbs.  The mixture should be wet and able to form into balls.
4.  Pour the olive oil into the crock pot.  Form golf ball sized balls with the falafel mixture.  Squish the balls down a bit.  Dip each side into the olive oil and then place in a single layer (it is ok of they touch).
5. Cook on high for 2.5 hours or until the falafel is golden brown.

*For more flavor add 1 teaspoon or coriander and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your falafel mix.

Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Mix plain Greek yogurt with a pinch of dill, salt, pepper and lemon sauce.  For extra flavor, shred a cucumber and add this as well.

The Taste Test
    What a great way to make falafel!  The last time I attempted a falafel recipe, it was challenging because it crumbed every time I tried to flip it in the pan.  There was no flipping in the crock pot.  This was a great lunch and the best part was the dressing!  Definitely take the time to shred the cucumber, it added a great fresh taste and more texture.