I have chosen the following recipes for this edition of cancer support international as they cleary show just how easy it is to cook without dairy and also to cut down on meat. These recipes: falafels, houmous and pitta breads are some of the most staple dishes in North Africa. They are easy to prepare, filling and above all they are extremely economical.

1. Chickpea & Tahini Falafels
2. Butter Bean Houmous with fresh mint
3. Home made pitta breads

Pete Vaughan
Chef/ Patron
The Healthy Life & Bistro
4/7 Little Brittox
Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1AR

    Chickpea and Tahini Falafels

• a. heat a pan and add the oil and chopped onion followed by the cumin, fennel seeds. Cook for 2-3 minutes gently and then add the curry paste and chickpeas.
• b. Mix well and transfer all of the ingredients to a food processor. Add the breadcrumbs and egg and blend until the mixture comes together. It should form a soft dough. Season to taste.
• c. You can now roll the falafels into whatever size discs you like. Place on an oiled tray and bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and firm.

    Home made Butter Bean Houmous with Fresh Mint

The advantage to making your own humus is that you avoid the low grade vegetable oil that most commercially available houmous contains. The basic components are simply virgin olive oil, chickpeas, tahini and lemon juice. You can add whatever else you wish. For this recipe I have added fresh mint, which I think, makes a truly comforting dip.

• Place the pulses into a food processor, with the tahini, lemon juice, cumin, garlic and a pinch of salt and cayenne.
• Blend and slowly add the olive oil, hot water very slowly. Once all the liquid is added, check the texture, if it is still too thick, as houmous should be a little runny, then add a little more water.
• Adjust the seasoning and then finally add the chopped fresh mint.

Because of the combination of cereals and pulses 'sesame and chickpeas' houmous is an extremely good source of complete protein for vegetarians. Although houmous is high in calories, due to the oil content, all of the ingredients are beneficial to the maintenance of the body.

    Homemade Pitta bread

Ingredients

• 1. Combine both of the flours, salt, sugar and yeast in a mixing bowl. Add the water and mix until you have a dough that is soft but not sticky.
• 2. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5 minutes. Place the dough back into a floured bowl and leave to rise for 30 minutes.
• 3. Meanwhile heat either a griddle pan or a normal grill to maximum temperature. Knock the dough around again for a good five minutes and then roll out with a rolling pin on a floured surface. Either cut circles out with a knife or using a cutter. Brush each one with a little oil on both sides. Place on the griddle pan or under the grill for 3 minutes on either side.