Taameya
Egyptian Taameya, also known as falafel, is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is enjoyed all over the world. These crispy and crunchy balls are made by mixing mashed chickpeas and spices together, forming them into small patties that are then deep-fried until golden brown. Traditionally, Taameya is served with a selection of Middle Eastern dips, such as hummus, tahini, or baba ganoush, and is typically enjoyed as part of a mezze platter.
Egyptian Taameya can be traced back thousands of years to the ancient Egyptians, who are known for their love of beans and lentils. The word “falafel” comes from the Arabic word “falāfil,” which means “small crispy thing.” It is believed that Taameya was first invented in Egypt as a way to use up leftover chickpeas, which were a staple in the Egyptian diet. Over time, the dish became increasingly popular and spread throughout the Middle East and beyond.
One of the defining characteristics of Taameya is its unique blend of herbs and spices. Cumin, coriander, and garlic are commonly used, as well as parsley and cilantro. The mixture is then combined with mashed chickpeas and water until it forms a thick, moldable dough. The dough is typically left to rest in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to firm up.
Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape the Taameya into small, flattened balls. These balls are then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The result is a savory, crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavorful center. The dish is usually served with pita bread or flatbread and a variety of Middle Eastern dips.
One of the great things about Taameya is that it is easy to customize to your own taste preferences. You can add more or less of any of the herbs or spices depending on your liking, and even add other ingredients like onion or chili pepper for a little extra kick. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, tzatziki, or even ketchup. Each Taameya you make can be unique and delicious in its own way.
Overall, Egyptian Taameya is a classic Middle Eastern dish that has stood the test of time. Its unique blend of herbs and spices, paired with its crispy and crunchy texture, make it a hit with people all over the world. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, Taameya is a dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. So why not give it a try and experience the flavors of Egypt for yourself?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried fava beans (soaked for at least 8 hours)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them well.
- Put them in a food processor and blend until they are finely crushed, but not completely smooth.
- Add the onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, and baking powder to the fava bean mixture. Blend again until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Use your hands to form small, flat patties from the fava bean mixture.
- Fry the patties until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with pita bread, salad, or tahini sauce. Enjoy!