Falafel

Falafel is a deep fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans. Falafel is usually served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread known as lafa. The falafel balls are topped with salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces. Falafel balls may also be eaten alone as a snack or served as part of a meze.Generally accepted to have first been made in Egypt, falafel has become a dish eaten throughout the Middle East. Falafel is also often considered a national dish of Israel.[1] The Copts of Egypt claim to have first made the dish as a replacement for meat during Lent. The hearty fritters are now found around the world as a replacement for meat and as a form of street food.



Ingredients

1 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans), soaked overnight
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 dash pepper
1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
oil for frying

Method:

1. In a blender, process soaked chickpeas, onion, parsley, coriander leaves and garlic until smooth.
2. In a small bowl combine cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, cayenne, lemon juice . Stir into chickpea mixture along with olive oil.
3.Mixture should not be sticky but will hold together.
4. Add some bread crumbs if the mixture is sticky .
5. Form balls and then flatten into patties.
6. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry patties in hot oil until brown on both sides.





Tips:

1.If the mixture is too dry add lemon or lime juice instead of water.
2. In order for the falafels not to fall apart add flour, Tablespoon by tablespoon to the finished mixture (usually it doesn't take more than 6 TBSP)
3. Don't add water while grinding the chickpeas.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 patty

Amount Per Serving
Calories 57Calories
Cholesterol 0mg
Total Carbohydrates 5.4g2%
Protein 2.3g

( These information may not be accurate. Varies according to cooking styles, type of oil used and various other factors)