Today's Meatless Monday food is heart of palm.
There's only one problem with me doing a post about heart of palm..........
I have NO idea what it is! I was reading all about it, and I still have no idea what it is and I don't think I've ever seen it in any of our grocery stores either!
But thanks to google images I can say that when they are sliced they look pretty similar to Water Chestnuts! So a recipe with water chestnuts is what you get instead this week ;-)
It seems that most people instantly think of stir-fry or spring rolls when you say 'water chestnut', and I must admit that to date I have only ever used them in a stir-fry, but I wanted to try something a little bit different this time.
Water Chestnut Falafels
1 packet falafel mix1 small tin water chestnuts
2 Tablespoon tamari
Drain the water chestnuts and chop into very fine pieces.Prepare the falafel mix as per packet directions and include the soy sauce in the mix.
Roll into balls and bake at 180C for 15 minutes.
I love this packet of falafel mix because it is very basic - just contains chickpeas, faba beans, spices & baking soda - no added nasties. It's also very easy to make. Just add water :-)
A tip for baking falafels instead of frying - don't have them in the oven for too long. They dry out really easily.
And for those of you who know where to find "heart of palm" - I 'think' they would work in this recipe too!!!!!
I loved the flavour of these, slightly exotic but very tasty. The texture was great too - having something a bit crunchy in the middle of each bite!
That looks so interesting! I can't say that I know anything about heart of palm either.
ReplyDeletelol glad I'm not the only one who isn't familiar with heart of palm!
DeleteI can't believe you couldn't find it - it really is the center of a palm tree. But water chestnuts look close (just a crispier texture than heart of palm). I'm so glad you participated either way! :)
ReplyDeletelol - i couldn't have one letter not done!
DeleteI'll have to keep an eye out for them & see if I can find them in the future
I love water chestnuts and also know nothing about heart of palm ;) I also like the look of your falafel mix - it's not one I"m familiar with but good to know some basic mixes are available and give edible results.
ReplyDeleteThis mix is definitely my favourite - shame you can't find it. Here's its available in the international section of both coles & woolies.
DeleteGlad I'm not alone in the heart of palm department ;-)
I don't know what a water chestnut is... I'll try with heart of palm instead ;)
ReplyDeleteHahahahaaa that's too funny! I wonder if it's a common thing in some countries and not others?!?!?
DeleteDid you try the asian grocer? The one near me sells them in tins and frozen.
ReplyDeleteEither way adding a little crunch to falafel sounds divine :) I've never used a falafel mix, good to know that brand is a nice fallback, thanks! xxx
Ooooooooo good idea, I'll have to check them out. We have a new Asian grocery store not long opened just down the road!
DeleteI do like having this as a spare meal idea in the cupboard, esp with its minimal ingredients :-)
I just can't imagine what these would taste like, but they do look so interesting:))) I have seen falafel mix in the supermarket and never knew what to do with it.
ReplyDeleteMost falafel mixes are really easy to use, esp if just making basic falafels :-)
DeleteI love the Asian twist you put on the falafels!
ReplyDeleteHeart of Palm is available in our major supermarkets in the tinned vegetable aisle. I only tried it for the first time last year when a Venezualan friend introduced it to me. He just gave it to me plain, from the tin so I still don't have a clue how to cook with it! I'll have to ask him for some recipes :)
Thanks for sharing - that's quite interesting. Let me know if you come across some good recipes :-)
DeleteHmmmmm love the Asian twist you applied on the falafels! Water chestnuts are a common ingredient in Chinese dishes :)
ReplyDeleteYes I've often used water chestnuts in Asian cooking!
DeleteI was honestly surprised at how delicious the falafels were with them and the addition of soy sauce!