Ingredients That Speak to Your Health
The chosen ingredients for these falafel fritters are not random; they are deliberate, health-conscious selections that echo the tenets of the Mediterranean diet and functional medicine:
- Carrots: A root vegetable high in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants. They support a healthy immune system and can contribute to hormonal balance.
- Green Onions and Yellow Onion: Contain quercetin and sulfur compounds, which have been shown to support both immune function and the body's detoxification processes, crucial for maintaining hormonal equilibrium.
- Fresh Oregano: This herb is not only bursting with flavor but also has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage an overactive immune response.
- Falafel Mix: Typically made from chickpeas, which are high in protein and fiber, essential for gut health and a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet.
The Functional Medicine Perspective
From a functional medicine viewpoint, every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose beyond taste:- Balancing Hormones: The fiber in carrots and chickpeas aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is key in maintaining hormonal balance.
- Supporting the Microbiome: The microbiome thrives on diverse plant fibers, and the onions in this recipe are a prebiotic, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Fresh oregano and the monounsaturated fats in avocado oil possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm an overactive immune system.
Our Falafel Fritter Recipe
What you'll need
- 2 carrots peeled and grated*
- 4 green onions ends trimmed and sliced thin on an angle
- ½ Cup Diced Yellow Onion
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh oregano
- 2 cups of favorite falafel mix - made to box specifications we love organic amisa
- Avocado Oil for frying
How to make it
- Preparation: Start by prepping your vegetables. Peel and grate the carrots, trim the ends of the green onions and slice them thinly on an angle for that perfect bite. Dice the yellow onion finely to meld seamlessly into the fritters.
- Combining Ingredients: In a bowl, mix 2 cups of your favorite falafel mix as per the box specifications. Gently fold in the grated carrots, green onions, diced yellow onion, and minced fresh oregano, ensuring even distribution.
- Rest and Cook: Allow the mixture to rest if required by the falafel mix instructions. This step is often crucial for the ingredients to bind together properly.
- Frying: Heat avocado oil in a pan - a healthier frying option thanks to its beneficial monounsaturated fats. Once hot, shape the falafel mix into fritters and fry until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet tender and flavorful on the inside.
*You can substitute different veggies here, just be mindful that some may have more moisture to them - like zucchini and may change the consistency of your falafel batter.
A Meal That Nourishes Body and Soul
These falafel fritters are more than just a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal; they're a functional food designed to support your body's health. They’re perfect for anyone looking to incorporate the Mediterranean diet's benefits into their lifestyle, offering a mix of nutrients that promote hormonal health, immune system normalization, and microbiome support. This is truly a recipe that satisfies both the palate and the body's complex nutritional needs.
Next time you're in the mood for something savory, consider these falafel fritters — your taste buds and your health will thank you. Whether you're well-versed in the world of functional medicine and anti-inflammatory diets or just starting, this falafel fritter recipe is sure to be a delightful and beneficial addition to your culinary repertoire.