Middle Eastern Monday

After weeks of lagging behind on cooking and a weekend which included way too much meat, I finally got to make a delicious meal that I must share with all of my viewers!

 Hummus Recipe

16 oz. chickpeas (cooked or from can, drained)
4 T tahini paste (I make my own out of 2 T olive oil and 4 T toasted sesame seeds)
2 T lemon juice
1 t cumin
1/2 t garlic
1 t coriander
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/4 t pepper
1/4 t seasoned salt

-Combine all ingredients in food processor and blend till smooth


Couscous Recipe

2 c. uncooked couscous
2 c.vegetable broth
1/2 c diced fresh parsley
1/2 c diced bell peppers (or other veggies)
1/4 c diced onion
2 T butter
2 T lemon juice
1/4 t salt
cumin & coriander to taste

-Boil vegetable broth, salt, and butter. Add couscous & veggies stirring quickly. Remove from heat and cover. Let sit for 5 minutes and add seasonings.

Falafel Recipe (found here and altered)

16oz. chickpeas, drained
1 diced onion
1/2 c fresh parsley
1 T garlic
1 egg
2 t cumin
1 t coriander
1 t salt
1 t lemon juice
1 t baking powder
1 T olive oil
1 c bread crumbs
seasoned salt and pepper to taste

-Preheat oven to 400.
-Heat chickpeas in microwave 1 min. or until slightly softened. Mash chickpeas with a fork.
-Combine onion, parsley, and garlic in food processor and blend until smooth. Add to mashed chickpeas.
-In separate bowl, combine all other ingredients. Add to chickpea mixture.
- Make mixture into balls and put onto greased cookie sheet. Cook 10 min. Flip. Cook another 10 min. Then broil each side for 2-3 min.

Cucumber Sauce Recipe (found here)

1/2 large cucumber, seeded
6 oz. plain yogurt
1 T mayonaise
1 t dill weed

-Combine ingredients and refrigerate at least 30 min.