Falafel Dough Pizza

Falafel is one of the most popular foods in Egypt. It's made out of peeled beans and always served fried. It's also made in the Levant area (mainly Syria and Lebanon) using chickpeas. In my recipe, I used red lentils and replaced the traditional cooking method (frying) with baking. Using lentils instead of beans to create an innovative recipe has been quite satisfying.

• Preparation Time: 35 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 556 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• salt to taste
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup yogurt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup red lentils
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ bunch fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tomato, cubed
• ⅓ cup oil
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 2 teaspoons oil
• 2 teaspoons minced green onion
• ½ bunch fresh parsley
• ¼ teaspoon chile powder
• ¼ cup sliced olives

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place red lentils in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak until softened, about 2 hours. Drain.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with 2 teaspoons oil.

Step 3

Place lentils in a food processor with onion, garlic, 1/2 bunch parsley, cilantro, and 1/4 cup green onions; pulse until finely ground.

Step 4

Transfer lentil mixture to a large bowl. Add 1/3 cup oil, egg, baking powder, black pepper, chile powder, cumin, coriander, and salt; mix until well-blended. Spread dough to 1/4-inch thickness onto prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden and firm, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven.

Step 6

Combine yogurt, lemon juice, tahini, and salt in a small bowl; mix well until sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Layer sauce, Cheddar cheese, tomato, olives, 1 tablespoon parsley, and 2 teaspoons green onion on top of baked dough.

Step 8

Return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.