A step-by-step recipe for making delicious Falafel, a popular Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas or fava beans:
Ingredients:
For the Falafel:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1/2 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2-1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a lighter texture)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chickpeas:
1.1 Place dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow them to soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. The chickpeas will double in size.
2. Drain and Rinse:
2.1 Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them thoroughly.
3. Combine Ingredients:
3.1 In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, roughly chopped onion, garlic, fresh parsley, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3.2 Process the mixture until everything is finely chopped and the mixture becomes a coarse paste. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times.
4. Add Flour and Baking Powder:
4.1 Transfer the chickpea mixture to a mixing bowl.
4.2 Add 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 1/2-1 teaspoon of baking powder, if using. These ingredients help bind the mixture and give the falafel a lighter texture.
4.3 Mix well. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape but not dry.
5. Shape the Falafel:
5.1 Use your hands to shape the mixture into small, round patties or balls, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. You can make them larger or smaller according to your preference.
6. Heat the Oil:
6.1 Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a saucepan to 350°F (180°C). Use enough oil to submerge the falafel.
7. Fry the Falafel:
7.1 Carefully place the falafel into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pan.
7.2 Fry the falafel for about 3-4 minutes or until they are deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
7.3 Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried falafel and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Prepare the Tahini Sauce:
8.1 In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until you have a smooth sauce. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
9. Serve:
9.1 Serve the hot falafel with pita bread or flatbreads, along with fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.
9.2 Drizzle the tahini sauce over the falafel or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
9.3 Falafel can also be served with hummus or a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce.
Enjoy your homemade falafel as a tasty and satisfying meal or snack!