Embark on a flavorful journey with this vibrant raw falafel recipe, a testament to how innovative and delicious the raw Food Way of eating can be. Inspired by classic Middle Eastern falafel, this recipe reimagines it in a completely raw and wholesome form, perfect for those exploring a healthier food way or simply seeking a refreshing culinary adventure. This dish isn’t just about enjoying a meal; it’s about embracing a food way that celebrates fresh, unprocessed ingredients and maximizes flavor and nutrition.
Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, form the heart of this recipe, providing a protein-rich and fiber-packed base that aligns perfectly with a conscious food way. Sprouting these beans unlocks their nutritional potential, making them even easier to digest and enhancing their natural goodness. They are a fantastic source of iron and essential trace minerals, making them a cornerstone of a nourishing food way.
Raw Falafel Recipe: A Deliciously Different Food Way
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional falafel, showcasing how the raw food way can deliver incredible taste and texture.
Ingredients for Falafel:
- 3 cups Sprouted Garbanzo Beans (chick peas) – The foundation of this healthy food way.
- 1 cup Chopped Onion – Adds a pungent and savory depth to this food way recipe.
- 2 Cloves Garlic – Essential for a flavorful food way, providing aromatic richness.
- 1 cup Sunflower Seeds – Ground to create texture and nutty flavor, integral to this food way.
- 1/2 cup Ground Flax Seeds – Binding agent and source of omega-3s, enhancing the nutritional food way.
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavors and adds zest, a key element in this vibrant food way.
- 1/4 cup Parsley – Fresh herb that brings a clean, green note to this food way.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil – Adds richness and healthy fats, contributing to a satisfying food way.
- 2 teaspoons Coriander – Warm spice that complements the other flavors in this food way.
- 3 teaspoons Cumin – Earthy spice that provides a classic falafel aroma and taste in this food way.
- 1 tablespoon Nama Shoyu – Adds umami and saltiness, crucial for a balanced food way.
- Alfalfa sprouts (for serving) – Fresh and crunchy garnish, completing this vibrant food way.
Falafel Preparation Steps:
- Sprout the Garbanzo Beans: Begin your food way journey by sprouting the chickpeas. Soak 2 cups of dry beans in a jar filled with water for 24 hours. Ensure ample space for expansion. Drain, and rinse 3 times daily until small sprouts appear, typically in 2-3 days. This process is fundamental to this raw food way.
- Grind Sunflower Seeds: In a food processor, grind sunflower seeds until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl. This texture is important to the food way of this recipe.
- Chop Garlic: With the food processor running, drop in 2 cloves of garlic and process until finely chopped. This step maximizes the flavor in this food way.
- Process Chickpeas and Garlic: Add sprouted garbanzo beans to the food processor with the chopped garlic. Process until a mash forms. Add this mixture to the bowl with the ground sunflower seeds, combining textures in this food way.
- Finely Chop Onion: Chop onion in the food processor, pulsing until a very fine chop is achieved. Add to the garbanzo bean mixture. Fine chopping is key for the texture in this food way.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chopped parsley and the remaining ingredients to the bean mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure all flavors are integrated into this food way.
- Shape and Dehydrate: Shape the mixture into golf-sized balls. Dehydrate, starting at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, then reduce heat to 116 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 6 hours. Dehydrate until crispy on the outside but slightly soft inside, achieving the perfect texture for this food way. For detailed dehydration information, refer to resources on raw food dehydration techniques.
Mango Pineapple Salsa: A Tropical Food Way Complement
This vibrant salsa adds a refreshing and fruity contrast, enhancing the overall experience of this food way.
Ingredients for Mango Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup Chopped Pineapple – Sweet and tangy base for this refreshing food way.
- 1 cup Chopped Mango – Adds tropical sweetness and smooth texture to this food way.
- 1 cup Chopped Jicama – Crunchy and mild, providing textural balance to this food way.
- 1/2 cup Chopped Onion – Adds a subtle sharpness that complements the fruit in this food way.
- 3 tablespoons Finely Chopped Cilantro – Fresh herb that ties the flavors together in this food way.
- 1 Lime (juice from) – Acidity to balance the sweetness and enhance the vibrancy of this food way.
Salsa Preparation Steps:
- Combine and Marinate: Mix all salsa ingredients together in a bowl. Let sit to marinate, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen in this food way.
Raw Sour Cream: A Creamy Food Way Delight
This dairy-free sour cream adds a creamy and tangy element, completing the flavor profile of this food way.
Ingredients for Sour Cream:
- 1/4 cup Cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours) – Soaked cashews create the creamy base for this food way.
- 1 Young Coconut (flesh from – about 3/4 Cup) – Adds richness and coconut flavor, enhancing this food way.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice – Tanginess to mimic traditional sour cream, crucial in this food way.
- Pinch of Sea Salt – Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste of this food way.
Sour Cream Preparation Steps:
- Blend Until Smooth: Combine all sour cream ingredients in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Add water to thin if needed to achieve your desired consistency in this food way.
Serving Suggestion: Completing Your Food Way Experience
- Assemble and Enjoy: Create a bed of fresh alfalfa sprouts. Place the dehydrated falafel balls on top. Dollop with raw sour cream and generously spoon the mango pineapple salsa over the falafel. This combination perfectly embodies a vibrant and delicious raw food way.
This raw falafel recipe offers a unique and flavorful approach to enjoying a classic dish while embracing a healthier food way. Experiment with this recipe and discover the exciting possibilities within the raw food way!
