Falafel Hoagies
Falafel Hoagies Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Sandwiches
Vegetarian dietIntroduction
Falafel hoagies are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crispy falafel patties with creamy vegan ranch dressing and fresh sandwich veggies, all served on a soft hoagie roll. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner that is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
History
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are seasoned with herbs and spices, formed into balls or patties, and then fried until crispy. It is believed to have originated in Egypt and has since spread throughout the Middle East and beyond. The addition of falafel to a hoagie roll is a modern twist on this classic dish, creating a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 package of Fantastic Foods falafel
- 4 hoagie rolls
- vegan ranch dressing
How to prepare
- Prepare falafel as instructed on the box, shaping the mixture into 8 patties that are 2 inches long and 0.5 inch thick instead of balls. Fry the patties until they turn brown, then flip them and fry the other side. Drain them well on a paper towel. Spread ranch dressing on the top half of the hoagie rolls, then place two patties on the bottom half and add your preferred sandwich vegetables on top.
Variations
- Use homemade falafel patties instead of store-bought mix for a more authentic flavor.
- Add a drizzle of tahini sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve falafel hoagies in pita bread or over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to drain the falafel patties well on a paper towel after frying to remove any excess oil.
- Customize your falafel hoagie with your favorite sandwich veggies, such as tomato, lettuce, onion, and pickle.
- Serve with a side of hummus or tahini sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve falafel hoagies with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Fry the falafel patties until they are crispy and golden brown on both sides.
- Drain the falafel patties well on a paper towel to remove excess oil before assembling the hoagies.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use regular ranch dressing instead of vegan ranch dressing if desired.
- Substitute pita bread or flatbread for hoagie rolls if preferred.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the falafel patties in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry and assemble the hoagies.
Presentation Ideas
Serve falafel hoagies on a platter with a side of hummus, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve falafel hoagies with a side of tabbouleh, couscous, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover falafel hoagies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat falafel hoagies in the oven or toaster oven until warmed through before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each falafel hoagie contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.
Carbohydrates
Each falafel hoagie contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling and satisfying meal option.
Fats
Each falafel hoagie contains approximately 10 grams of fat, primarily from the frying of the falafel patties.
Proteins
Each falafel hoagie contains approximately 15 grams of protein, making it a good source of plant-based protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Falafel is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the hoagie rolls and may contain soy from the falafel mix. Be sure to check the ingredients for any allergens before preparing this dish.
Summary
Overall, falafel hoagies are a nutritious and delicious meal option that is high in protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and filling choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Summary
Falafel hoagies are a delicious and satisfying meal option that combines crispy falafel patties with creamy vegan ranch dressing and fresh sandwich veggies, all served on a soft hoagie roll. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner that is sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck picnic by a friend. As I walked around, admiring all the delicious dishes that had been brought, my eyes landed on a platter of beautifully golden falafel hoagies.
I had never heard of falafel before, let alone eaten it, but something about those crispy, flavorful patties nestled in soft hoagie rolls with a colorful array of toppings called out to me. I made a beeline for the dish and eagerly asked the woman who had brought it for the recipe.
She smiled warmly and told me that she had learned to make falafel hoagies from her Lebanese grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed.
As I listened to her instructions, I felt a sense of excitement building within me. I could already imagine the fragrant aroma of the spices wafting through my kitchen as I prepared the falafel, the satisfying crunch of the patties as I bit into them, and the burst of flavors from the fresh toppings.
I rushed home and immediately set to work, following the recipe with care and precision. Mixing together chickpeas, onions, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices, I formed the mixture into small patties and fried them until they were golden brown and crispy.
The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering scent of cooking falafel, and I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before assembling the hoagies. The falafel was perfectly seasoned, with a hint of earthiness from the chickpeas and a kick of heat from the spices.
I carefully stuffed the hoagie rolls with the falafel patties, along with creamy hummus, tangy tahini sauce, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The colors and textures came together beautifully, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Finally, I took a bite of the falafel hoagie, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The flavors were complex and harmonious, each element complementing the others perfectly. The crispy falafel, creamy hummus, and zesty toppings combined to create a symphony of taste that left me craving more.
From that moment on, falafel hoagies became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weeknight dinners, delighting friends and loved ones with the exotic flavors and hearty textures of this Middle Eastern dish.
Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I swap out the chickpeas for fava beans or add a touch of cumin for extra warmth. Other times, I play around with the toppings, incorporating pickled vegetables or spicy harissa sauce for a different flavor profile.
No matter how I choose to make them, falafel hoagies always bring me back to that fateful day at the potluck picnic, when I first discovered the magic of this dish. They remind me of the joy of exploring new flavors, the satisfaction of mastering a recipe, and the pleasure of sharing good food with those I love.
As I sit down to enjoy a falafel hoagie now, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that introduced me to this delicious dish. It's a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.
And so, I continue to cook and share my falafel hoagies with others, passing on the recipe and the story behind it to anyone who is curious to try. Because for me, this dish is more than just a meal – it's a connection to my past, a celebration of my heritage, and a source of endless joy and inspiration.