Light Summer Fare

When it's getting warmer outside, I can't bog down my stomach with heavy, meaty food. So I fried up some falafel for tonight's dinner. Here is my simplified version of the middle-eastern classic:
1 can garbonzo beans (15.5oz, drained)
1/2 onion, finely minced
1 tblspn. of minced garlic
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. Greek seasoning
Flour
Oil
1. Put drained garbonzo beans in food processor or chopper and pulse until finely chopped and almost paste-like.
2. Combine mashed garbonzo beans with onion, garlic, and seasonings.
3. Mix in 1 tblspn. of flour and gradually mix in more flour until you can shape a nice 2"-3" patty with your hands and it holds well.
4. Heat oil on medium (if you're accustomed to frying you can let it heat while you are shaping the patties, otherwise you may want to keep an eye on it).
5. Fry patties about 5 minutes on each side, or until a nice golden brown (see how mine turned out in the photo).
6. Serve with sliced cucumber and tzatziki sauce.
I made the tzatziki sauce by combining the following:
8 oz. plain yogurt
Half cucumber, finely chopped
1 tblspn. Minced garlic
1 tspn. dried dillweed
Chill after mixing together and dip your cukes and falafel in it.
*I am certainly not touting these as ethnically authentic recipes, but rather my "pantry shortcut" versions to satisfy my cravings. Hope you enjoy them as well!*