FALAFEL SANDWICH - [feh-LAH-fehl]

This sandwich begins with the Falafel ball, a Middle Eastern specialty made of highly spiced, ground chickpea (garbanzo), deep-fried and served in pita bread with salad and a yogurt or tahini based sauce. The balls are smallish and brown, meatless, slightly crunchy and very delicious.

photo by sjdowntown.com

Steeped in history and even controversy, the Falafel's origins are considered Egyptian, however both Israelis and Palestinians take credit for first cultivating it. With it's popularity in Syria and Lebanon too, one might be hard pressed to say exactly where these tasty treats began.  When Israeli's appropriated Falafel as the "national snack" it caused resentment among Palestinians and in parts of the Arab world where the dish is considered to be authentically Arab.

But we're not here to confirm or contradict history. We're here strictly for the sake of  the Sandwich, it's abundant and satisfyingly rich flavors, attributable only to they guy who stands there and makes the one you're about to eat.  Thankfully, one can easily find a Falafel sandwich in most American cities today.

Alternatively,  you can  be adventurous and build your own Falafel sandwich, in which case, we can offer the "Indianized" version from last months 2nd place Sandwich Contest winner at S365.  Just visit Nivedita's Kitchen to grab the recipe.  Otherwise try this:

Warm Egg Salad w/Greek Yogurt!

A Sandwich From "First Make A Roux"Anyone who knows these United States, knows the word Louisiana is synonymous with the word "party". But mardi gras and authentic jazz music are a small part of what's worth celebrating about the place. If you read my blog with any regularity, you know what a huge fan I am of the culture and food that sets Louisiana apart from almost every other state. Now I have even more reason to love it. Meet my friend "E" whose blog "First Make a Roux" has me spellbound when ever I visit. This woman can cook, and as important, she can make a sandwich too. When you open her blog, you come as close to smelling a blog over the Internet as is possible, I am not exaggerating! Prove it to yourself and go there as soon as you finish reading this. Really, it's one of the best blogs I know.

Here is "First Make a Roux's" submission for S365's Sandwich Art Slide Show. She took it to the next level and submitted the recipe too. Gotta love this woman! And this Sandwich!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup low fat strained Greek yogurt (i.e., Oikos, Fage, Voskos, etc.)

1 tbsp light mayo

2 tbsp fresh chives, snipped

1 1/2 tbsp celery, minced

1 tsp red wine vinegar

Salt & Pepper

Creole seasoning, and/or hot sauce

5 large boiled eggs, peeled and chopped while still warm (not hot, don't burn yourself)

1 generous hand full of arugula, for topping

1 medium size ripe tomato, sliced

4 slices of your favorite bread

Method:

Whisk the first five ingredients together in a medium sized mixing bowl. Season the mixture to taste with any combination of salt, pepper, Creole seasoning, and hot sauce. Gently stir in the warm, chopped eggs until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings, build your sandwiches ant top them with sliced tomato and arugula. Makes enough egg salad for two generous sandwiches!