Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 5 Episode 3 Fancy-Free Falafel

In this episode of Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian, Melissa teaches viewers how to make a tasty and affordable Mediterranean dish: falafel. With her signature budget-friendly flair, Melissa shows us how to create a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

To start, Melissa introduces us to her "fancy-free" approach to falafel by swapping out expensive ingredients for more affordable ones. She replaces chickpeas with dried fava beans, which are less expensive and can be found in most supermarkets. Melissa also includes pantry staples like garlic, onion, and cumin to give the falafel a rich, savory flavor.

Melissa's recipe for falafel is easy to follow, making it perfect for beginners. She starts by soaking the fava beans overnight, then blending them with garlic, onion, and spices to create a smooth mixture. Melissa uses a tablespoon to form the mixture into small balls, then fries them in hot oil until they're golden brown and crispy.

In addition to the falafel, Melissa shares tips for assembling a tasty and budget-friendly Mediterranean platter. She shows viewers how to make a quick and easy tahini sauce using just three ingredients: tahini, lemon juice, and water. She also suggests serving the falafel alongside fresh vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers, radishes, and tomatoes.

Melissa's "fancy-free" falafel is a perfect example of how you can create a delicious and nutritious meal without spending a lot of money. With her budget-friendly tips and easy-to-follow recipe, viewers can easily recreate this Mediterranean favorite in their own homes.