Bulgur Herb Kale Salad with Falafel

Soak chickpeas overnight in plenty of water.

For the falafel: soak bread in a little water. Drain chickpeas and mash together with squeezed bread. Puree in a blender to a fine paste. Rinse and dry scallions, chop finely. Peel garlic and chop very finely. Add scallions, garlic, baking powder and herbs to chickpea mixture. Season with cumin powder, salt and cayenne pepper. Add enough breadcrumbs to make smooth dough. With damp hands, make about 20 small balls. 

For the salad: place bulgur in a large bowl. Add lukewarm water until bulgur is completely covered with water. Set aside and let bulgur swell for about 20 minutes.

Rinse and halve tomatoes. Peel cucumber and quarter lengthwise, cut into pieces. Rinse and spin dry kale, napa cabbage, dandelions and mint, pluck off leaves as needed and remove all hard veins. Chop into fine strips.

Prepare dressing; whisk lemon juice with oil and season with salt, pepper and sugar. Drain bulgur through a sieve, rinse off thoroughly with cold water and drain well. Combine with herbs and cabbage in a bowl, mix well and season to taste. 

Heat oil in a saucepan to 340°F and cook falafel for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.