Ultimate Falafel Sandwich: Crispy, Flavor

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas, soaked in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight
• 1/2 cup (75g) roughly chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup (15g) packed fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup (15g) packed fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups/700ml)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 pita breads (6-inch diameter)
• 1 cup (150g) shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (75g) diced cucumbers
• 1/4 cup (40g) thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup (75g) pickled turnips (optional), sliced
• Hot sauce (optional), for serving