Falafel Pita with Poached Egg
Vegetarian
Comfort Food
Budget-Friendly

Prep Time
50 minutes
Calories
650 kcal (est.)
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
- For Falafel:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For Tahini Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2-3 tbsp water
- Salt to taste
- For Assembly:
- Pita bread
- Tomatoes, sliced
- Olives, pitted
- Fresh mint leaves
- Eggs (1 per serving)
- Sumac for sprinkling (optional)
- Vinegar (for poaching, optional)
Instructions
- Combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Add flour and baking powder, then pulse again until just incorporated.
- Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Heat about 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
- Fry the falafel in batches for 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Gradually add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, whisking until smooth and pourable.
- Fill a pot with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add a splash of vinegar if desired.
- Carefully crack an egg into a small bowl, then gently slide it into the simmering water. Poach for 3 to 4 minutes for a runny yolk. Remove with a slotted spoon. Repeat for additional eggs.
- Warm the pita bread. Open the pita to create a pocket.
- Line the bottom of the pita with sliced tomatoes and fresh mint leaves.
- Add several falafel balls into the pita pocket.
- Drizzle generously with tahini sauce.
- Add a few pitted olives.
- Carefully place the poached egg on top.
- Sprinkle with sumac if desired. Serve immediately.