Earth Balance Spreads - Made Just Right

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Making homemade falafel is a lot easier than one might think! Simply soak chickpeas for 12 hours ahead of time and you are ready to go. Our Earth Balance® MindfulMayo™ Dressing & Sandwich Spread adds creaminess to a cool condiment that combines tangy olive and tahini for an all-in-one falafel topping. Enjoy extra spread on salads, sandwiches, grilled vegetables and toasted baguette.

Creamy Kalamata Olive Spread:
2/3 cup Earth Balance® Olive Oil MindfulMayo™ Dressing & Sandwich Spread
1/3 cup pitted whole kalamata olives
1/4 cup raw tahini
1/4 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
2 Tbs. warm water
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Falafel:
3 cups dried chickpeas, soaked in cool water for 12 hours (add more water as needed to keep chickpeas covered)
1 medium yellow or white onion, peeled and chopped
1 small bunch cilantro (1 cup)
½ bunch flat leaf parsley (1/2 cup)
4 cloves chopped garlic
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, to taste
2 Tbs. warm water
½ cup breadcrumbs (unseasoned regular or panko)
1 cup vegetable oil (plus more if needed)
6 pita bread rounds
1 ½ cups shredded green leaf or romaine lettuce
½ cup shredded red cabbage
2 tomatoes, chopped (1 cup)
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

Directions:
1. To make the spread, combine all ingredients except salt and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until needed.

2. To make the falafel, drain the chickpeas and pulse in a food processor until crumbly.

3. Place ground chickpeas in a bowl.

4. Place onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, cumin, coriander, baking soda, red pepper flakes and warm water in a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Pour into chickpea mixture, add breadcrumbs, and mix well.

5. Heat oil in a shallow skillet over medium heat to about 350F. Scoop the batter by generous tablespoonfuls and shape into balls or patties.

6. Fry batches until golden, about 2 minutes per side.

7. Drain on paper towels.

8. Place warm falafel in pita bread and top with lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers and Creamy Kalamata Olive Spread.

We love this olive spread so much, it’s good on just about anything! What’s your favorite way to enjoy olives? Tell us in the comments for a chance to win free Earth Balance® in our Everyday Giveaway!