When you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, a 30-minute Falafel Sandwich (With Sweet Potato) is a true winner. This dish combines crispy falafel with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, creating a flavor explosion that’s as delightful to your palate as it is easy to prepare. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe packs a punch while keeping everything simple and accessible.
Recipe Guide:
What is 30-minute Falafel Sandwich (With Sweet Potato)?
The 30-minute Falafel Sandwich (With Sweet Potato) is a modern twist on the traditional falafel, which is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditionally made with ground chickpeas and herbs, falafel is known for being a protein-packed and flavorful option for both vegetarians and meat lovers. By adding sweet potato to the mix, this recipe brings a unique sweetness and texture that surprises and delights with each bite. The contrast of textures and flavors makes this sandwich an exciting choice for any meal.
Why you’ll love this
This recipe stands out because it checks all the boxes: it’s quick, affordable, and incredibly tasty! Within just half an hour, you can whip up a scrumptious sandwich that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. The ease of preparation, combined with such vibrant ingredients, means you won’t spend hours in the kitchen but still get a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, so you can make it for yourself or whip it up for a crowd without breaking the bank!
How to Make
Quick Overview
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have this delightful sandwich ready to enjoy! You’ll need a microwave or oven, a bowl for mixing, and a skillet for frying. The cooking process involves preparing the falafel mixture, shaping it into patties, and then assembling the sandwich. Easy as pie!
Ingredients
. 1 medium to large sweet potato, peeled
. 1 can chickpeas, cooked (14 ounces)
. half medium onion, finely chopped
. 1 garlic clove, crushed
. quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
. 1 teaspoon ground coriander
. 1 teaspoon paprika
. half teaspoon baking powder
. half teaspoon salt
. 1 and a half tablespoons all-purpose flour
. half lemon (juice)
. sesame seeds (for scattering over, optional)
. half cup olive oil (for cooking)
. 10 bread rolls (or enough for however many you’re serving)
. 3 cups hummus
. 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
. 5 salad onions, sliced into small lengths
. 5 ounces snow pea shoots (or any other fresh greens)
. 1 cup Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Pierce the peeled sweet potato several times with a sharp knife or fork. Cook it in the microwave for about 10 minutes or until it’s soft. Alternatively, you can roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for around 45 minutes for extra flavor.
- While the sweet potato is cooking, mash the chickpeas in a bowl and add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, cayenne pepper (if using), cumin, coriander, paprika, baking powder, salt, flour, and lemon juice.
- Once the sweet potato is ready, mash it into the chickpea mixture. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help the flavors meld.
- After chilling, form spoonfuls of the mixture into balls and gently flatten them into patties. Optionally, press some sesame seeds into each patty for added texture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes with the salad onions. Spread hummus generously on each sandwich roll, then layer in the tomato/onion mixture, fresh greens, and 2 to 3 falafel patties. Drizzle with Greek yogurt before closing the sandwich. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
What to Serve with 30-minute Falafel Sandwich (With Sweet Potato)
Pair your 30-minute falafel sandwich with a refreshing side salad, perhaps one featuring mixed greens and a light vinaigrette, to complement the richness of the falafel. For a satisfying crunch, some crispy roasted chickpeas or a batch of sweet potato fries make excellent accompaniments. If you’re in the mood for something light and zesty, a glass of sparkling water with lime or a homemade lemonade will be the perfect beverage to wash it all down.
Top Tips for Perfecting 30-minute Falafel Sandwich (With Sweet Potato)
- Don’t skip the chill: Allowing the mixture to chill helps the falafel hold its shape better when frying.
- Get crispy: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the patties; this prevents them from absorbing too much oil.
- Pat dry: If using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them properly to avoid excess moisture in your mixture.
- Flavor variations: Feel free to experiment with the spices based on what you have on hand. Adding fresh herbs can elevate the flavor!
- Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of falafel and freeze them uncooked. They can be fried directly from the freezer for a quick meal later.
- Use whole grain bread rolls: For a healthier twist, opt for whole grain or pita bread for your sandwich.
- Texture mix: Include crunchy toppings like radishes or fresh sprouts in the sandwich for added texture and nutrition.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the falafel patties in a skillet over medium heat until they’re hot and crispy again. You can also pop them in the oven for a few minutes to maintain that crispy texture. If you’d like to freeze the falafel, shape them before frying, and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months!
30-minute Falafel Sandwich (With Sweet Potato)
Ingredients
Method
- Pierce the sweet potato several times with a sharp knife or fork. Cook it in the microwave for about 10 minutes or until soft. Alternatively, roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for around 45 minutes.
- While the sweet potato is cooking, mash the chickpeas in a bowl and add onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika, baking powder, salt, flour, and lemon juice.
- Once the sweet potato is ready, mash it into the chickpea mixture. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- After chilling, form spoonfuls of the mixture into balls and flatten them into patties. Press sesame seeds into each patty if desired.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Mix chopped tomatoes with salad onions in a bowl. Spread hummus on each sandwich roll, layer the tomato/onion mixture, fresh greens, and 2 to 3 falafel patties. Drizzle with Greek yogurt before closing the sandwich.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make these falafels gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have tasty gluten-free falafel.
2. What can I use instead of sweet potato?
If sweet potato isn’t your thing, regular potatoes or even cooked butternut squash can work well in this recipe.
3. How can I make the sandwich vegan?
To keep this sandwich vegan, skip the Greek yogurt or substitute it with a plant-based yogurt option for that creamy finish!
In conclusion, the 30-minute Falafel Sandwich (With Sweet Potato) is a fantastic and nutritious option that’s perfect for any meal—quick to make and oh-so-delicious. With vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients and dive into a culinary adventure that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat! Happy cooking!
More Resources
- Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
- Greek Bean Salad (Fresh, Flavorful & Easy Mediterranean Recipe)
- Italian Dense Bean Salad
- White Bean Salad – Easy Fresh Mediterranean Recipe
- The Ultimate Guide to Bean Salad: 15+ Healthy, Flavorful Recipes
- Falafel – Wikipedia
- Mediterranean Diet – Harvard Health
- Chickpeas and Legumes – MedlinePlus
- Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes – Cleveland Clinic
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