Baked basil-chard falafel

This week's Food Matters Project recipe is chickpea fritters with vegetables. See the original recipe hosted by Lena and check out what others made here. Instead of frying chickpeas into fritters, I decided to make a baked falafel.

When I decided on falafel, I immediately remembered this recipe that I had bookmarked last summer. These baked green falafel look much better than their popular fried brown cousins. Don't get me wrong I love fried falafel too, but these are much lighter, healthier, and perfect for summer. I added chard, basil, parsley, and pistachio not only for flavor, but also to add that green tint to my falafel (not to mention that's what I had in the fridge).

Make these for that next potluck and impress your friends. Gluten free and dairy free, you'll make everyone happy.

Baked basil-chard falafel
Adapted from The Food Matters Cookbook & Green Kitchen Stories
2 c chickpeas, soaked overnight (not cooked)
1/2 red onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp curry powder
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp ginger, ground
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 swiss chard leaf
1 small bunch of basil, about a cup loosely packed
1/4 c parsley
2 tbsp pistachios
1 tbsp lime juice

Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Put the chickpeas into the food processor. Process until they break up and form a chunky paste. Add the remaining ingredients and process for about a minute. The mixture should be dry, not wet. If it's too wet, add more chickpeas, chickpea flour, or pistachios. Scoop up the mixture with a spoon, rolling into a ball about an inch wide (or smaller, if you want more). Repeat with the remaining chickpea mixture. Put on the baking sheet.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. The bottoms of the falafel should be nice and golden.

Makes about 14-1inch round falafels or more if you make them smaller. Serve with tahini-yogurt or a raita for a nice dipping in sauce. Toss a few falafel into a pita (or into a lettuce leaf for a gluten free option) with veggies and dip for a quick, healthy lunch on-the-go.