Falafel

4  cups cooked garbanzo beans, partially drained, mashed

⅓ cup bread crumbs

¼ teaspoon each basil, thyme, marjoram, cumin, turmeric

1  tablespoon fresh or dried parsley, chopped

Celtic salt and black pepper to taste

3  tablespoons tahini

1  hot red chile pepper, chopped

1  to 3 garlic cloves, minced

1  to 3 eggs

⅓ cup whole wheat flour

4  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Tahini Dressing

Combine the garbanzo beans, bread crumbs, basil, thyme, marjoram, cumin, turmeric, parsley, salt, black pepper, tahini, chile pepper, and garlic in a large bowl; mix lightly. Mix in the eggs, 1 at a time; mixture will have a semisoft consistency. Shape garbanzo mixture into 1-inch balls or small patties and roll in flour to coat. Brown in olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Drain on paper towels. Serve in pita bread with yogurt, chopped tomatoes, lettuce or sprouts, shredded cheese, and Italian or Tahini Dressing.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings