Falafel Salad with a Twist

This past week has been a fog of adjusting to my “real” life, while not fully willing to accept the loss of my Thailand life. It just such a treat to get into a groove and rhythm of a place, but always such a drag to wrench oneself away from it. This, on top of an erratic sleep schedule, can put anyone into a tiz.

But now I am BACK! and I do love it here as well. NYC has it’s own timbre and cadence that rings my inner bells with familiarity. I also really love NYC in the summer. I know you’re going to think I’m nuts- but I can’t help it. It’s a little quieter and a little slower. It gives me a feeling of playing hooky somehow. I’m itching to get on my bike and ride around- which I may do tomorrow for fun.

I was a good girl on my trip, and though I tasted many new and wonderful things (basil seed soup), and indulged in the familiar favorites (Kaow Neow Mamuong- Mango Sticky Rice), I managed to keep it to a reasonable amount. As a result my pants still button perfectly and I lack the post-travel remorse that I am usually famous for. The last time I traveled to Thailand I returned a good 12# heavier. I LOVED every bite! but the months of dieting after- not so much.

So I am going to take this opportunity of being ahead of the curve and perhaps start eating a healthier diet, and a downward trend on the scale- and why not? Beautiful fruits and vegetables are everywhere!!

I’ve started with these small falafel made with chickpeas and edamame. Great fiber and great protein. Rather than deep fry them I sautee them in just a little oil in a cast iron pan- which keeps them much lighter than the grease bombs on the street, and serve on a bed of greens. Extras get a quick refry the next day- So l can lunch one day and supper the next- just switch up the greens and chopped vegetables that go along side.

BTW- I’m not a huge fan of paper towels. I use them to be sure, but they are not particularly PC- in my opinion. To drain my falafel babies I cut up one of my paper bags from the market- which I also use as parchment or to line a cake pan.