Savory Sweet Potato Chickpea Pockets with Spicy Avocado Salad
Indulge in these delightful Savory Sweet Potato Chickpea Pockets, a scrumptious vegan dish bursting with flavor and nutrients. Made with roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas seasoned with aromatic spices, these falafels are not just nutritious but also satisfyingly crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside. Paired with a zesty Spicy Cucumber Avocado Salad and a creamy tahini sauce, they make for a perfectly balanced meal. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a wholesome lunch or dinner, these pockets promise to elevate your culinary experience. Your friends and family will love this fresh, healthy delight that’s both filling and entirely plant-based.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked sweet potato
1 (peeled and mashed)
chickpeas
14 ounces (rinsed and drained)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (minced)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
ground cumin
1 tablespoon
ground coriander
2 teaspoons
sea salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
cucumbers
2 (diced)
avocado
1 (diced)
red onions or shallot
1/4 cup (minced)
fresh dill
1/4 cup (chopped)
apple cider vinegar
1/2 tablespoon (plus a splash for taste)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon
sea salt
3/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
tahini
1/4 cup
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
water
1/2 cup
arugula
2-3 cups (fresh)
pita pockets
4
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a food processor, combine the cooked sweet potato, chickpeas, cayenne pepper, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, sea salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still textured; it should hold together without turning into a puree.
3
Using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), form the mixture into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4
Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the falafel to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.
5
For the Spicy Cucumber Avocado Salad, in a large mixing bowl, combine diced cucumbers, avocado, red onion (or shallot), dill, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sea salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine and adjust the seasoning to taste.
6
For the tahini sauce, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, and a pinch of sea salt in a bowl until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water as needed.
7
To assemble the sandwiches, take pita pockets and fill them with a generous layer of arugula, followed by the baked falafel, spicy cucumber avocado salad, and finish with a drizzle of tahini sauce. Enjoy your mouthwatering and nutritious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Sweet Potato Chickpea Pockets?
They are a scrumptious vegan dish featuring baked sweet potato and chickpea falafel served in pita pockets with a spicy cucumber avocado salad and tahini sauce.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
How long should the falafel bake?
The falafel should be baked for 35 minutes or until they are golden brown.
What oven temperature is required for the falafel?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What ingredients are in the falafel base?
The base consists of cooked mashed sweet potato, chickpeas, cayenne pepper, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, sea salt, and pepper.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to pulse the sweet potato and chickpea mixture until it is well combined but still textured.
How do I ensure the falafel doesn't become a puree?
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor only until they hold together; avoid over-processing.
What is the recommended size for the falafel balls?
Use a cookie scoop, approximately 2 tablespoons, to form the mixture into balls.
Why should the falafel cool before serving?
Allowing them to cool for at least 10 minutes helps enhance their flavor and improves their texture.
What ingredients are in the Spicy Cucumber Avocado Salad?
The salad contains diced cucumbers, avocado, red onion (or shallot), dill, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sea salt, and cayenne pepper.
Can I substitute the red onion in the salad?
Yes, you can use minced shallots instead of red onion if preferred.
How do I make the tahini sauce?
Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
What if the tahini sauce is too thick?
You can add more water as needed to reach your preferred thinner consistency.
How do I assemble the pita pockets?
Fill the pita pockets with arugula, then add the baked falafel and spicy salad, and finish with a drizzle of tahini sauce.
How many pita pockets does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 pita pockets.
What amount of arugula should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 cups of fresh arugula.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe contains no dairy products.
What spices give the falafel its flavor?
The falafel is seasoned with cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper.
How should the sweet potato be prepared?
The sweet potato should be cooked, peeled, and mashed before being added to the falafel mixture.
Are the chickpeas canned or dried?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of rinsed and drained chickpeas, typically from a can.
Is the salad spicy?
Yes, it includes 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
What herb is used in the salad?
Fresh chopped dill is used to flavor the cucumber avocado salad.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 minced clove of garlic.
What type of vinegar is used?
Apple cider vinegar is used for the salad dressing.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is a wholesome and filling meal ideal for lunch or dinner.
What texture should the falafel have?
They should be crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside.
Can I adjust the salt in the salad?
Yes, you should mix the salad well and adjust the sea salt and other seasonings to your taste.
How much parsley is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of minced fresh parsley.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt is recommended throughout the recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious, fresh, and healthy plant-based meal.