Someday I will find a good recipe for homemade falafel. In the meantime, though, I'll use the mix. I like "Casbah" brand the best. "Fantastic World Foods" brand of falafel ended up being a cooking disaster because the falafel balls didn't hold their shape in the cooking oil. Any favorite commercial salad dressing may be substituted for the tahini dressing. Tahini sauce is usually found in the kosher section of the grocery store.
1) Prep vegetables...slice/cut for sandwich-style bites:
> green leaf lettuce
> tomatoes
> cucumbers
2) Fry falafel balls in oil per package directions. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool off.
3) Make tahini dressing: mix...
> One-third part tahini sauce
> Two-thirds part water
> freshly squeezed lemon juice, to taste
> garlic (either crush a small amount or infuse the flavor with garlic pieces)
Whip it up with a fork, then add salt to taste. Add more water if needed to make it thinner
4) Cut pita pockets in half and open them up so they are ready to fill.
5) Place all ingredients out on the table to have everyone help themselves and assemble their own pita pockets (stuff them like tacos, then drizzle the tahini dressing inside the pita over the ingredients).
This dinner can also be served like a salad, with toasted pita wedges on the side.
This is a nice, refreshing dinner to eat on a hot summer night.
