Falafel Salad – Tahini Dressing – “eat like you give a f*ck”

I used to have a foul mouth. I don’t know where it went, but it went, and I hope that it stays there.

“The Thug Kitchen – eat like you give a f*ck” cookbook makes me chuckle with fond memories of my good old days of profanity. Every recipe is peppered with swear words that surprise and entertain. Spiced Chickpea Wraps with Tahini Dressing begins with “This captures the smoky flavour of a falafel without all the f*cking work.” Here’s my easy, potluck-friendly, crowd-pleasing riff on Thug Kitchen‘s Spiced Chickpea Wraps — Falafel Salad with Tahini Dressing.

Falafel Salad – Tahini Dressing

Tahini Dressing

• 1/2 c tahini
• 6 T warm water
• 3 T lemon juice
• 2 T rice vinegar
• 2 T olive oil
• 2 t soy sauce or tamari
• 4 cloves garlic minced

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all Tahini Dressing ingredients until smooth, cover and refrigerate.

Spiced Chickpeas

• 2 T olive oil
• 2 c chickpeas, soaked, cooked (makes 6 cups cooked)
• 4 T lemon juice
• 2 t maple syrup
• 2 t soy sauce or tamari
• 4 t smoked paprika
• 4 t ground cumin
• 2 t garlic powder
• 1 t kosher salt
• 1/2 – 3/4 t cayenne pepper

• 4 large pita, split open and baked with a little olive oil, zaatar and herbamare salt
• 11 oz spinach leaves
• 3 cucumbers, sliced
• 3 carrots, grated or julienned

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chickpeas and sauté for 5 – 7 minutes until they begin to turn golden. In a small bowl, combine the juice, syrup and soy sauce, add to the chickpeas and cook for 30 seconds. Add all the spices, cooking for 30 seconds longer. Remove from heat. Serve on a bed of spinach, cucumber, carrot and drizzled with Tahini Dressing. Garnish with pita chips. Or, toss all ingredients together in a large bowl. Serves 10 – 20.

Falafel Salad – Tahini Dressing Print Ready Recipe

Final Notes:

• Meet Michelle Davis and Matt Holloway, brainchildren authors behind Thug Kitchen.

• Holiday season is here again, and I’m so tech ‘cited. Lime Lens (sent to JC for review) makes it easy to capture super broad and super close photos on your phone. These wee green baby lenses are micro lightweight and pop on and off your smartphone. Check out this this review for more details — and these jittery photos for insta-proof of the fun you can have with Lime Lens.

 

• I finally conquered my fear of sharp knives long enough to sample the Any Sharp knife sharpener. It was sent to JC for review. It’s a perfect wee holiday gift for budding or experienced chefs looking for an edge.

• And speaking of edgy, stop whatever you’re doing and start watching Rectified, the Netflix gem that will intrigue you through four seasons.

Falafel Salad – Tahini