Crouching Falafel, Hidden Broccoli

They are sneaky. They have broccoli. And they taste super yummy.

I thought that getting Alden to eat his veggies would be easy, he sees us eat them ergo he’d eat them too.  After all, he puts pretty much anything into his mouth.  And yet, we’re struggling to get him to eat a real portion of veggies with his meals.  Sure he’ll take a bite of cauliflower and scrunch up his nose, but overall he wasn’t consuming as much as I really wanted him to.  And with his milk allergy, I can’t make broccoli or cauliflower more enticing by showering them in grated cheese.  Sigh!

So, I’ve started being a sneaky mom.  First, it was broccoli in the meatballs, then I tried it in his favourite falafels.  And it totally worked.  Alden will also eat the chickpea mixture as a dip on crackers.  Bonus!

Crouching Falafel, Hidden Broccoli

• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and well-washed)
• 1/2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 garlic clove
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp coriander
• pinch salt
• 1 tsp (or more) dry parsley
• 1/8 cup finely diced onions
• 1/8 cup chickpea flour
• 1/2 cup (or more!) broccoli (blitzed in the food processor)
• more chickpea flour for coating

Using a food processor, add all ingredients and blitz until nice and smooth.  If you can, leave the mixture to cool and firm up in the fridge for at least an hour.

Shape mixture into small patties – probably about 1 tablespoon per patty.  Dip the patties into the chickpea flour to coat.

Add olive oil to a skillet and fry the patties for 6-7 per side or until brown and crispy.

Enjoy!