Introduction
Ingredients
For the Roasted Veggies:
5–7 carrots
1 head cauliflower
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 teaspoons cumin
For the Naan-wiches:
One 12-ounce jar of sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
3 large pieces of garlic naan, torn in half
10–12 pieces of easy 5-ingredient baked falafel
One batch of Magic Green Sauce
A handful of cilantro leaves
Prep Time
Preparation for this delightful dish takes around 30 minutes. You can also prepare the falafel and Magic Green Sauce up to a day in advance for added convenience.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The total cooking time includes 30 minutes for roasting the vegetables, plus an additional 10–15 minutes for extra browning if desired. Therefore, the overall time spent on this recipe is approximately 1 hour and yields enough Naan-wiches for multiple servings. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors that come from the roasted veggies, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic spices that create a satisfying meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Make Ahead
Prepare the falafel and the Magic Green Sauce. This should take no more than 30 minutes for both. They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Roasted Veggies
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the carrots and cut them into thin strips; place them on a roasting pan. Chop the cauliflower into small florets and place them on a separate roasting pan. Drizzle each pan with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss to combine. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For more browning, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Sun-Dried Tomato Spread
Drain most of the excess oil from the sun-dried tomatoes and pulse them in a food processor until you achieve a chunky, spreadable texture.
Assembly
Warm the naan until it’s soft. Spread with Magic Green Sauce and layer with roasted carrots, cauliflower, sun-dried tomato spread, falafel, and cilantro leaves.
Notes
If the falafels are round and chubby, gently press them into a flatter shape to ease sandwich assembly.
Cook techniques
Roasting Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like carrots and cauliflower enhances their natural sweetness and results in a crispy texture. The cooking process involves cutting the vegetables into uniform pieces, tossing them with olive oil and spices, and roasting them at a high temperature until tender and slightly caramelized.
Making a Spread
To prepare a sun-dried tomato spread, draining excess oil is crucial for achieving the right consistency. Pulsing the tomatoes in a food processor allows you to create a chunky, flavorful spread that can be used in various dishes.
Warming Naan
Warming naan enhances its softness, making it easier to fold or spread. This can be done in an oven, on a skillet, or briefly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Assembling the Naan-wiches
Layering ingredients thoughtfully is key to creating a balanced naan-wich. Start with a spread on the base, followed by roasted vegetables, falafel, and fresh herbs. Ensuring that each layer is distributed evenly will improve flavor and texture with every bite.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables for roasting?
Yes, you can substitute or add any vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
How long can I store the falafel and Magic Green Sauce?
Both can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What is Magic Green Sauce?
Magic Green Sauce is typically a fresh, herb-based sauce made from a blend of ingredients like herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, providing a burst of flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring the ingredients used for the falafel and sauce do not contain animal products.
What can I substitute for naan?
If naan is not available, you can use pita bread or tortillas as an alternative for wrapping the ingredients.
Conclusion
This roasted veggie naan-wich delivers a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. The roasted carrots and cauliflower, paired with the savory sun-dried tomatoes and satisfying falafel, create a satisfying meal. The Magic Green Sauce ties everything together, providing a vibrant and fresh element to each bite. Enjoy this unique twist on traditional sandwiches for an exciting meal anytime!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mediterranean Wraps
Use flatbreads or tortillas filled with roasted veggies, hummus, and grilled chicken for a quick lunch.
Veggie Buddha Bowl
Combine the roasted veggies with quinoa or brown rice, drizzled with the Magic Green Sauce for a complete meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix roasted veggies with quinoa, beans, and spices, then stuff into halved bell peppers and bake until tender.
Falafel Salad
Serve the baked falafel over a bed of mixed greens, topped with roasted veggies and drizzled with Magic Green Sauce.
Veggie Pizza
Top a pizza crust with the roasted veggies, sun-dried tomato spread, and cheese, then bake until golden and bubbly.
