Falafel burger lunch

Today, I went with a falafel burger for lunch. Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made from garbanzo beans (aka chick peas), and typically served in a pita with yogurt. The idea of falafel is very good (protein & spices), but its execution seems to vary; sometimes, I love it, and other times, it is just awful. Now, I could have ordered it from an experienced restaurant, or followed a well-loved recipe, but I went for a mix I found at an ethnic grocery store. I could have followed the instructions on the box, and made falafel, but I wanted a burger. I did add the water, but then I just made a patty & placed it in my Pam-sprayed skillet. It fried pretty fast, so I baked it in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Then, I sat it on some broccoli slaw (for some veggies), and added my beloved Trader Joe's Red Pepper sauce. At the last minute, I even threw in a couple pickles. Finally, I took a bite; it was horrible. Even using my never-fail mustard dousing (my go-to method for finishing my "no thank you" helpings as a child) did not make it tolerable.



The boxed falafel did have some redeeming uses, as it added pizazz to my tomato soup, and made a subtle falafel-spiced "sloppy joeish" lunch. Next time I want falafel, I will just stick with the tried & true.