Colossal American Falafel

Ingredients

• 2 (16 ounce) cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs
• 2 large carrots, finely shredded
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 6 slices turkey bacon, sliced into small strips (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Place garbanzo beans, 6 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, water, and tahini in a blender. Puree until thick and smooth. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Stir eggs into hummus mixture until completely mixed.

Gently stir bread crumbs, carrots, onion, garlic salt, lemon pepper, onion powder, cumin, and turkey bacon into hummus mixture until thoroughly combined.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop a large spoonful of falafel mixture into hot oil. Gently flatten into a thick disc. Cook patties until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to a wire rack with paper towels underneath.