Description
Falafel-Spiced Cucumber Bites are a refreshing, protein-packed appetizer perfect for gatherings or a light snack. Creamy chickpea purée seasoned with warm spices is piped onto crisp cucumber slices and garnished with fresh herbs, tomatoes, shallots, and a spicy kick of Sriracha, creating a vibrant, flavorful bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For Cucumber Bites:
- 1 (15.5 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons Stonyfield Double Cream Plain (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, divided
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, divided
- 1 English cucumber
For Garnish (optional, but encouraged):
- Ground paprika
- Grape tomatoes, quartered
- Thinly sliced shallot
- Sriracha
Instructions
- Prepare Chickpea Purée: In the bowl of a food processor, combine chickpeas, Stonyfield Double Cream Plain, tahini, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 tablespoon each of chopped parsley and cilantro. Process until smooth and creamy.
- Slice Cucumbers: Slice the English cucumber into ½-inch thick coins, ensuring even thickness to hold the purée on top without tipping over.
- Assemble Cucumber Bites: Using a spoon or piping bag, evenly scoop or pipe the chickpea purée atop each cucumber slice to create a neat topping.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley and cilantro over the bites. Add a light dusting of ground paprika, quartered grape tomatoes, thin slices of shallot, and drizzle with Sriracha as desired for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- The chickpea purée can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve.
- If the purée is not smooth enough, process it a bit longer; if still too thick, add an additional tablespoon of Double Cream to achieve a creamy consistency.
- To create an attractive striped appearance on the cucumber slices, use a vegetable peeler to lightly peel off a few strips of the cucumber skin lengthwise before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
