10 Minute Falafel - Italian Style!

I absolutely LOVE Falafel... and today, I think I just created my new FAVORITE recipe! If you've never tried Falafel, I strongly encourage it... it's so delicious and healthy too! Whether very hungry or just pressed for time and don't want another old sandwich, this recipe will NOT disappoint!

Ingredients

- 1 package Falafel mix (this is the quickest and easiest way to prepare)
- 1 can PLAIN tomato sauce (Hunts or another PLAIN variety)
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 onion, finely diced
- Olive Oil
- Canola or Vegtable oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Paprika
- Crushed Red pepper flakes
- Dried Oregano
- Fresh Basil

Directions

Follow the directions on the package of Falafel.

In a small pot, place your diced onion, red and green peppers and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the top with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. About 1/4 teaspoon serving of each. Cook on medium low heat for 5 min and stir every few mintues.

Add tomato sauce to your veggie mixture once the veggies are tender. Mix together, turn to low heat. Add another pinch of salt and pepper. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. If you like your food extra spicy, add another pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Close the lid on the pan and let simmer on LOW HEAT until your Falafel are ready.

Once your Falafel are ready to be fried, cover a large saute pan with your choice of oil. (Do not add too much, just cover the entire bottom of the pan, about 3 tablespoons depending on how large your pan is)

You should be able to fit about 6-7 Falafel in your pan. You want to make them about the size of your fit. I prefer to leave them flat rather than make them into balls for this particular recipe.

Cook the Falafel until they are golden brown on each side on MED LOW heat. You do NOT want to burn these.

To Plate:

Place 2 large scoops of sauce in the bottom of a plate or shallow dish. Arrange 3 Falafel in the center and sprinkle chopped basil on top.

YUM! ENJOY!