Both Honey and I are fans of falafel. Sometimes I am too tired to prepare his bento, Honey would always say: “don’t worry, there is always falafel wrap.” Those crunchy little balls made of chickpeas as street food or fast food are extremely popular in Sweden. The good news is that they are naturally vegan, the bad news is that they’re usually deep-fried, which makes it tasty but not particularly healthy.

Summer is time to get rid of the bundle around the waist saved during the winter, we would like to eat a bit healthier, so those raw food falafel balls became one of our options. They are not only meals, but make perfect snack too. When you have time, make a big batch and store them in the fridge so you can enjoy them throughout the week. Although I doubt you would make it last a week heehee, as they’re just irresistible as the original deep fried ones!

Kitchen Gadgets: Food processor

Makes: 27 balls (one ball per 1 tbsp)

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250ml) sun flower seeds
• 1 cup (250ml) pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup (125ml) walnuts
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 6 pieces of sun dried tomato soaked in oil ( one piece is about half size of one tomato, if you use the dry one then soak them in the water for a while so they’re ready to use)
• ¼ cup (60ml) finely chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Blend sun flower seeds and pumpkin seeds in the food processor until they become fine crumbles.
2. Roughly chop the walnuts.
3. Finely chop parsley, sun dried tomatoes, and crush the garlic.
4. Add all the ingredients together and mix with your hand or spatula. If it sounds a bit messy you can always wear a pair of plastic kitchen gloves (I know I know this is not eco-friendly practice!).
5. The “dough” is not super sticky but it’s enough to form a small dough when squeezed. Scoop 1 tbsp “dough” and squeeze with one hand until it’s well pressed. Use your fingers to carefully shape it into a round ball. It’s very delicate, so don’t roll them between your palms. Proceed until you finish all the remaining “dough”. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy!