Fluffy falafel on a heaping plate
Photo: Katerina Lorenzatos Makris

by Katerina Lorenzatos Makris ~

Tangy, rice-filled dolmas
Photo: Katerina Lorenzatos Makris

Because we are wimpy San Diegans who can’t take a little plunge of the mercury, Hubsy and I huddled on a concrete bench at the Balboa Park December Nights festival last weekend, shivering. But we didn’t care.

Reason One: We had managed to escape our large herd of rescued pooches for our first date in months. We felt so starved for fun that the weather would make no matter.

Reason Two: At that moment, in our mouths, sat some of the dreamiest falafel ever.

San Diego Museum of Art decked out for the holidays
Photo: Katerina Lorenzatos Makris

Golden, fluffy orbs of mashed chickpeas redolent with herbs, enveloped in a just-right crispy fried skin, they came served up at one of the food stalls on a heaped plate of steaming pita bread, fragrant rice, a couple of tangy grape leaf dolmas and a bit of salad.

Through the first mouthful I mumbled to Hubsy, “Isn’t this amazing?”

He mumbled back through his own mouthful, “Yes. But watch out.”

“What do you mean watch— “ I started to reply.  But then I got it.  “Oh!”

“Hot?” he asked.

‘I’m old and blind. You gonna eat that?’
~ Sophia
Photo: Katerina Lorenzatos Makris

“Yes! Wow! Oh wow!”  My tongue was not exactly on fire—it wasn’t that spicy—but I definitely got some sizzle.  “Yowza!”

“You gonna eat that?” Hubsy queried with the same hopeful look in his eyes that certain furry individuals at our house produce when they strategically position themselves next to the table.

“Haha. Good try.” I took another brave bite.  “I can handle it.”

He kept a close eye on me just in case.

The rice-filled dolmas helped quench the flame, as did the creamy tahini dressing with which the stall staff had drenched our plates to accommodate our no-dairy request.

After Hubsy polished off his own plate, still eyeing mine, he said, “Good stuff, huh?

I took pity on him and fed him my last few bites.  The beggars always wear me down.

“Still cold?” He wrapped his arms around me.

“Not anymore. All spiced up.” But it wasn’t just the falafel that had done the job. My date gives really warm hugs. Weather makes no matter.

Some falafel recipes:

Mouthwatering Vegan Falafel by Miriam Sorrell – Miriam’s creations are indeed mouthwatering and she adds interesting historical and cultural notes.

Falafel with a Twist by Oh She Glows – You have to scroll down through a bunch of photos to get to the recipe but it looks like a yummy one containing flax seeds that add more even more protein to the protein-rich chickpeas, plus good stuff like Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Baked Falafel by Chow Vegan – Baked, so let’s hope fewer calories?

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Spicy Stories Save Lives proudly sponsors needy animals in the U.S. and around the world.

For example we help Kefalonia Animal Trust (KATs) provide free spay/neuter for hundreds of animals per year, which is one of the best ways to prevent the abandonment and misery of puppies like Noah and Kyla. Please give to KATs via PayPal or bank transfer. Spay/neuter and education are the animals’ best hope for a better future.

Also please consider Animal Rescue Kefalonia (ARK), another group on the island who run a shelter  and work miracles with terribly few resources. 

Spicy Stories Save Lives and the author of this article have no affiliation with the rescue groups mentioned above, other than as a friend, volunteer, and donor.

Seen our book?  Your Adopted Dog: Everything You Need to Know About Rescuing and Caring for a Best Friend in Need, by Shelley Frost and Katerina Lorenzatos Makris, available through Amazon.com.