Falafel
Falafel is a popular food in the Middle East, with deep roots in Israeli cuisine. These delicious and crispy chickpea balls are a perfect vegetarian option for a tasty and filling meal. Falafel is typically served in a pita bread with hummus,tahinisauce, and an array of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.
Falafel originated in Egypt and has a long history in the Middle East. It was originally made with fava beans, but Israeli falafel is made with chickpeas. The dish has gained popularity worldwide and is considered a favorite for vegans and vegetarians. According to legend, falafel was invented by the Coptic Christians in Egypt, who believed it was an excellent protein source for Lent.
Israeli falafel is made with mashed chickpeas that are mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, then formed into balls and deep-fried until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The most important step in making falafel is to soak the dried chickpeas for at least eight hours before beginning the recipe. Soaking the chickpeas helps to soften them and makes them easier to blend.
Falafel is easy to make in the home kitchen and only requires a few simple ingredients. The key to making perfect falafel is to use dried chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas. Using dried chickpeas gives the falafel the right texture and helps them hold their shape during frying.
Once the chickpeas are soaked, they are blended with onions, garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, and baking soda. The mixture should be blended until it becomes a paste, but not too smooth because a little bit of texture adds to the overall taste of the falafel.
Israeli falafel is often served in a pita bread, which is a type of flatbread that is common in the Middle East. Other popular toppings include fresh cucumber and tomato salad, tzatziki, hummus, and pickles. The salad adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the dish, and the sauces bring a tanginess and creaminess that balances the falafel’s spiciness.
Falafel is a versatile food that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. It can be eaten on its own, inside a pita, or as part of a larger mezze platter. Mezze is a collection of small dishes served in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
In conclusion, Israeli falafel is a delicious and healthy food that is easy to make in the home kitchen. It’s full of flavor and versatile in how it can be enjoyed. The dish has a long and varied history and is perfect for anyone looking for a vegetarian or vegan option. So, whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a main meal, falafel is the perfect food to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried chickpeas ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tsp cumin 1 tsp coriander ¾ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp baking powder ¼ cup flour or chickpea flour Vegetable oil for frying Pita bread Toppings and sauces of your choice: tomatoes, cucumbers,tahinisauce, hummus, pickled vegetables, etc.
Instructions:
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Rinse the chickpeas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse again.
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In a food processor, pulse together chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and flour until a coarse mixture forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a day.
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Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 375°F.
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Use a small scoop or spoon to form balls or patties from the falafel mixture. Do not make them too big or they may not cook evenly.
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Fry the falafel balls/patties in batches, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
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Assemble your falafel sandwiches by stuffing pita bread with falafel, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite toppings and sauces.
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Serve hot and enjoy!