Dinner was so good tonight!!! One of my best meals yet, for sure.
But first, I tried a new snack today.
Nick and I finished off the strawberries today, and I tried one of these Heart Thrive snacks. I finally found them at one of our local coffee shops, of all places.
LOVED the flavor and chocolate bites (and the cute heart shape), but it was a little chalky? I’m guessing that’s from the protein powder, and, since I don’t eat a lot of protein powder, it just caught me off guard. But it was a great snack and very filling along with my fruit. I know Jenny suggested warming them in the microwave, so I’ll have to do that with the next one.
Now.
Dinner.
I’m not sure why I decided to make this, but I’m glad I did.
I’ve never had real falafels, but I figured I could make my own that were healthier, not deep fried, AND vegan. I was crossing my fingers that I was right.
Success #1!
And let’s talk about these pitas.
Normally, I would pull a Heather and buy some of the amazing pitas at our local Greek place in town, but I decided to try to make my own tonight.
Success #2!
I found this recipe online today, and (besides the pitas at our local Greek place) these were the best pitas I’ve ever had – and SO easy to make.
We ate dinner while they were still hot and they even split open like a REAL pita!
Along with our fresh pitas and salad, I made my version of falafel.
Soy free. Gluten free. Dairy Free. Everything but Flavor Free!
Baked Sweet Potato Falafel
- 2 sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp parsley
- 2 Tbsp ground flax
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Mash sweet potatoes with chickpeas.
- Add in seasonings and flax and mash again until the mixture sticks together.
- Spray baking sheet or line with foil. Roll mixture into 1” balls and place on baking sheet. Ignore your orange hands.
- Brush or spray with olive/canola oil.
- Bake 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes.
- Serve!
Homemade whole wheat pita, smothered in Sabra hummus, topped with baked falafel and veggies.
How do you say “delicious” in Greek? 🙂
Wow, that’s looks amazing. Pitas from scratch?? I would have never thought to make them. I’ll have to give it a try.
I am obsessed with greek food and everything in this meal looks great! YUM!
I was shocked when you said those pitas weren’t store-bought, and that recipe looks just like the dough I use for my weekly sandwich loaf. I really have to try this some time.
επίθ. νοστιμότατος, υπέροχος 🙂
Can’t believe you made your own pitas Brandi! They look fluffy and so good. Also loving the falafel recipe. Man, wish I could have been at your house for dinner. CD and I had cereal.
Ok I have to try those falafels, they look AWESOME.
oh lover I promise microwaving those heart thrives will take them to a whole ‘nother you level. Gauranteed 🙂
I just checked out that pita recipe – wow! I can’t believe how easy it is. Dare I say, I think I could even handle it?!
You’re so Mediterranean, I love it! Enjoy the night my little Greek goddess 🙂
oh my gosh those look incredible! I’ve never had falafels since they’re pretty unhealthy but I’ve kind of always wanted to! and sweet potato’s are delicious so these are a must try! thanks!!
You are so amazing with this food today. I’m super impressed!
Wow your own pitas and falafel in one night very impressive. Way to go!
I am beyond awed that you made your own pitas! I think I need you to come teach me how to be a wife! 😀
The pita and falafel look amazing! I almost thought you’d go all out and make homemade hummus as well ;-). Can’t wait to try making the falafels myself!
Ha, I totally would but I don’t have a food processor 🙂
Those falafel look so good! I think I have to give them a try this week.
Pitas are next on my list to make!!! I love falafel, and your vegan challenge looks like its going well!
I’m going to have to try your falafel recipe. I tried to make some a while back and they turned out pretty lackluster. Yours look fantastic!!
I can’t believe that was all from scratch! way to go!
that falafel sounds amazing! i totally need to make that! i have sweet potatoes galore!
and i’m jealous you tried the heart thrive products! i keep looking for them and can never find them!
I’m going to make those falafel tomorrow–they look unbelievable! I’m so glad your dinner turned out so deliciously. Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
thankyouthankyouthankyou for posting that falafel recipe!! I had my hand at trying my own and it was an epic fail. And I just so happen to have these ingredients!
UHHH-MAYYYY-ZINGGG yes please, lets talk about these pitas!! omg i need a pita. im sure they sell gluten free ones! hmm im going on a hunt tomorrow. i want to make this.. and also the pizza ones ive seen around too!
xoxo
yay for heart thrive cookies! ❤
My son LOVES when I make homemade pita bread!
Those falafels look great – think I might try my hand at them this weekend!
Baked sweet pototo falafel?!?!?! HEAVEN!
Ooo totally love all of this!! I just made homemade Naan for the first time the other day, now maybe pita bread will be up next!
I’m gonna need that pita recipe!!!!
Oh. Yum. That sounds seriously amazing! And homemade pitas? I am in absolute awe of you girl!
[…] water when mixing? This box of falafel mix was actually from months and months ago. Recently I saw Brandi’s sweet potato falafels, and I think I’ll give them a try next […]
[…] Sweet Potato Falafel Recipe found HERE on Brandi’s blog Bran […]
ahh! nevermind, i found it! i’m so excited to try this! however, i’m not feelin the white flour thing in the pita mix
Actually, I think I used all whole wheat flour! You can always replace.
[…] Adapted from Bran Appétit […]
Quick question. Do you think you could could freeze these or would they be terrible after reheating?
Hi Melanie!
I think they would do well frozen, but I haven’t tried it yet. It’s worth a shot!
[…] Monday, I made some whole wheat pitas (using the same recipe I used the last time) and we filled the pitas with hummus and spiced turkey with big salads on the […]