Falafel

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices, typically deep-fried into crispy, golden-brown balls or patties. It’s often served with pita bread, salad, and tahini sauce. Here’s a classic falafel recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (or 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2-3 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions:

1. Soak the Chickpeas:
   • If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight for at least 12 hours. Drain well before use.
2. Make the Falafel Mixture:
   • In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas (or canned chickpeas), onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
   • Pulse the mixture until it’s finely ground but not completely smooth. The texture should be coarse but hold together.
   • Add the baking powder and flour. Pulse again until just combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more flour.
3. Chill the Mixture:
   • Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
4. Shape the Falafel:
   • After chilling, use your hands or a falafel scoop to form small balls or patties (about 1-2 inches in diameter).
5. Fry the Falafel:
   • Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Once hot (about 350°F/175°C), carefully drop the falafel balls into the oil.
   • Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the falafel in pita bread with fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce), drizzled with tahini sauce, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus, pickles, and salads.

Enjoy your delicious homemade falafel!