Cucumber Avocado Gazpacho + Falafel w/ Mint Tzaziki & Bibb Lettuce

Falafel

1 organic garlic clove crushed & peeled

15 oz organic cooked chickpeas - no salt added

1 C packed organic spinach or stemmed & torn collard greens or chard works too

1/4 c organic parsley

1/4 t sumac

2 T organic tahini

2 T organic hemp hearts

2 T psyllium optional

1 T EVOO - high quality extra virgin olive oil or water

Juice + zest of half an organic lemon.

In a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add garlic cloves & a bit of high quality sea salt such as Maldon & chop. Add greens & chop, scraping down sides as needed. Add tahini, hemp, lemon juice and zest, sumac + EVOO and chop. Add chickpeas & process until well combined and to desired texture. Some chunks of chickpea create a nice texture. Move mixture to bowl & place in fridge to firm up while making tzatzki.

Once mixture is chilled, form into 6 small patties with hands. In a skillet on medium heat, add a bit of evoo and place patties in pan and cook for 4 minutes on side 1 and 2-3 on the other. Serve warm or cold.

Tzatziki

1 C organic coconut yogurt (neutral flavor is best)

1 organic large cucumber

organic dill - washed, dried + chopped

organic mint - washed, dried + chopped

1 T organic meyer lemon juice & some zest to taste microplaned

pinch sea salt + fresh cracked peppercorns

Slice cucumber in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and grate. Squeeze out excess water and place cucumber in medium mixing bowl. Add herbs, yogurt, lemon juice and zest, s + p. Gently stir to combine.

Gazpacho

2 large organic cucumbers

2 large handfuls fresh organic basil + extra to garnish

2 ripe organic avocados

3 organic limes ~ approx 4 T fresh lime juice

1 small organic garlic clove

2 T extra virgin olive oil

Fresh ground peppercorns

pinch sea salt or himalayan pink salt

2 cubes of ice

1/2 c organic pistachios unsalted - chopped

In a high speed blender, add garlic and chop. Add chopped cucumbers, basil, avocados, lime juice, s + p, evoo and ice. Blitz until smooth.

Chill in fridge until ready to serve. When ready to serve, divide into bowls, top with basil and chopped pistachios.

Bibb Lettuce + Assembly

1 - 2 heads organic bibb lettuce

1 lemon

local raw honey

sea salt + fresh cracked peppercorns

Wash and dry bibb lettuce. Tear pieces and add to large bowl. To a small mason jar, add juice of 1 meyer lemon, evoo, honey s + p, add lid and shake. Pour over lettuce and toss. Arrange lettuce on plate, then add falafel pieces. Top with Tzatziki. Optional toppings such as chives and flowers such as fennel flowers.