Cuisine : Falafel - How to prepare this middle east item

 

Falafel, a beloved Middle Eastern dish, is made from soaked and ground chickpeas blended with onions, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices. The mixture is shaped into small balls or patties and deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a flavorful, tender interior. Served in pita bread or on a plate with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables, falafel offers a delightful combination of textures and a burst of savory, herb-infused taste. It's a vegetarian delight and a popular street food enjoyed worldwide.

Here's a basic recipe for making falafel:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

- 1/2 large onion, roughly chopped (about 1 cup)

- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2-1 teaspoon dried hot red pepper

- 4 cloves of garlic

- 1 teaspoon cumin

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 4-6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- Soybean or vegetable oil for frying

Steps:

1. **Soak Chickpeas:**

   - Place dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to soak overnight.

2. **Drain Chickpeas:**

   - Drain the chickpeas and pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. **Combine Ingredients:**

   - In a food processor, combine chickpeas, chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, salt, red pepper, and cumin. Process until the mixture is finely ground but not pureed.

4. **Add Baking Powder and Flour:**

   - Add baking powder and 4 tablespoons of flour to the mixture. Pulse until well combined. Check the consistency; the mixture should hold together when squeezed into a ball. If it's too wet, add more flour.

5. **Refrigerate:**

   - Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.

6. **Shape into Balls or Patties:**

   - Form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

7. **Fry:**

   - Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the falafel until they are golden brown on all sides. Make sure the oil is hot enough to cook the falafel quickly and evenly.

8. **Drain and Serve:**

   - Once cooked, place the falafel on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve hot.

Optional: Serve falafel in pita bread with tahini sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.

Enjoy your homemade falafel!