Falafel
The Flexitarian Table, by Peter Berley - serves 4

I've always enjoyed a good falafel. Now I think my son-in-law likes falafel too. Kyle, Jes and I had as much fun making these as eating them. This is great basic recipe, with an option of two sauces. I think "Tahini" is traditional, but we loved the "Tzatziki".
3/4 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
1/2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro or flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin, preferably toasted and freshly ground
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, preferably toasted and freshly ground
 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 pinch cayenne pepper
freshly ground black pepper
vegetable oil, for deep-frying
fresh pita or naan
sliced cucumbers
chopped tomato
shredded romaine lettuce
Tzatziki Sauce
Peter's "Sesame Tahini Sauce"
In a bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup tahini, 5 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 finely chopped garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne and 3/4 cup water; adding salt to taste.
1 In a food processor, pulse the cilantro or parsley until finely chopped. Add the chickpeas and pulse until they are finely ground (they should have the consistency of cracker crumbs). Add the lemon juice, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, coriander, baking soda, cayenne, and 4 grinds of fresh black pepper. The mixture should hold it's shape when squeezed. If not, process for a few more seconds. Transfer to a bowl and toss well.
2 Fill a heavy saucepan or skillet with 2 inches of oil and heat the oil to 360° (the temperature will drop when the falafel is added, but should never dip below 350°). Line a platter with paper towels.
3 Moisten your hands and shape the falafel mixture into 2-inch ovals, 1/2-inch thick.
4 Fry the falafel a few at a time, turning halfway through, until well browned, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper-towel-lined platter to drain. Return the oil to 360° before adding each batch.
5 Serve inside pita bread or folded naan with plenty of tzatziki sauce or sesame tahini sauce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and hot sauce.