Mixed bean falafel with sweet potato hummus

Don’t be concerned if the falafel paste feels wet, this is what gives it a light and fluffy texture. Leaving the skin on the sweet potato adds extra fibre and flavour.

SERVES 4

PREPARATION TIME 30 minutes, plus chilling

COOKING TIME about 30 minutes

FOR THE HUMMUS

350g sweet potato, scrubbed and cut into small chunks

1tbsp olive oil

1 garlic clove, crushed

3tbsp tahini

Juice 1 lemon

FOR THE FALAFEL

400g tin mixed beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped

1 red onion, roughly chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed

2tsp ground cumin

1 medium egg

125g self-raising flour

Small handful each parsley and coriander, roughly chopped

3tbsp olive oil, plus extra to grease FOR THE COUSCOUS

150g couscous

150ml hot vegetable stock Small handful each parsley and coriander, roughly chopped

75g dried sour cherries or sultanas, roughly chopped

Juice 1 lemon

1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. In a large roasting tin, mix sweet potato with 1/2tbsp oil and plenty of seasoning. Cook for 20min, until softened. Set aside until needed (leave oven on).

2 Meanwhile, make the falafel. Blitz all the ingredients apart from oil with plenty of seasoning in a food processor until fairly smooth. Chill for 30min to firm up.

3 Heat 3tbsp oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Drop in walnut-sized balls of falafel mix from 2 greased spoons; in batches if necessary. Fry for about 8min, turning occasionally, until dark golden brown. Transfer to a baking tray lined with baking parchment and cook in oven for 15min. 4 Meanwhile, put couscous into a large heatproof bowl and pour in hot stock. Cover bowl with clingfilm and leave for 5min. Fluff up couscous with a fork and stir through herbs, cherries/sultanas and lemon juice. Season to taste.

5 Blitz cooled sweet potatoes, remaining 1/2tbsp oil, garlic, tahini, lemon juice and 100ml water in a food processor until smooth. Check seasoning. Divide couscous between 4 bowls and top with falafel and hummus. Serve.

‘AN ENERGY BOOSTING SUPPER FULL OF FLAVOUR’