Kids Lunch Box- Falafel Broccoli Bites

My kids love finger food specially for school lunch and I love packing it for them too. They love them because it isn’t messy and they do not need to run for napkins or washroom after a meal. Not that they would even if they had to! I like them because they are easier to pack, I do not have to worry about lunch box leaks and they are fun to play around with. So I try to play around with recipes for some of their favorite finger foods and since I cannot stop being the “boring mom” who wants to stuff their kids with healthy food, I try to sneak some in these recipes too. This particular one is a favorite, mine and the kiddos’ too. Falafel Broccoli Bites.

Ingredients:

1 can chickpeas (drained and washed throughly)

1/2 cup cilantro

1 cup steamed broccoli

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup red onion (diced)

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon cayenne (adjust per taste)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup whole wheat flour (can substitute with 1/3 all purpose flour)

Salt

Oil for deep frying

Method:

In a food processor bring together broccoli, garlic, onion, cumin, cayenne, cilantro and salt. Pulse for a few times to make coarse meal. Scrape out into a mixing bowl. Set aside.

In the same food processor transfer the chickpeas. Coarsely process the chickpeas. Transfer to the mixing bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Using hand or spatula mix it all together. Sprinkle salt, baking soda and flour on top. Gently incorporate everything together.

Scoop one tablespoon portion at a time and roll the mixture into balls or oblong or any shape of your choice. Whatever the kids would like. Line on a baking sheet or plate.

At this point you can either pop the falafel balls in the refrigerator to be use within 2-3 days or can deep fry immediately.

I sent them with ketchup as a dip for the little monkey and the butterfly prefers it with ranch. Green apples and chocolate filled cookies went along as a snack.