Falafel Recipe

Falafel is a popular fast food in Israel – a delicious combination of spicy chickpea filling in pita bread wrap. In fact, falafel is synonymous with many parts of the Middle East. Falafel is also served as an appetizer, either as balls or as a patty. Falafel balls are usually served with humus or yogurt sauce. Often, falafel balls are eaten alone as a snack, sans the pita bread. The falafel patty is not made with cooked chickpeas. Instead, they are soaked and ground with onions and spices. These patties are then fried.

Falafel

The Egyptian version of falafel contains fava beans while the Middle Eastern one is made with chickpeas. Falafel is popular with vegetarians and is rich in fiber and protein. Interesting variations on the original falafel recipe include replacing chickpeas with white beans, canellini or black beans. In Lebanon, you can get your falafel with a topping of tahini sauce. Don't be surprised to find falafel with toppings like hot pepper flakes, cilantro, sauerkraut or dill. Piping hot falafel served in freshly baked pita and layered with crisp vegetables is sure to appeal to most. Falafels are popular since they are nutritious and cheap. They also confirm to Kosher rules. In Egypt, falafel is known as ta `amiyya and is served with tahini sauce.

Falafel recipe

Soak chickpeas overnight. Blend chickpeas with garlic, green onions, coriander, cumin, freshly ground pepper and egg. Shape into balls or patties and fry over medium heat till golden brown. Use flour or egg as a binding agent while shaping falafel balls. Serve falafel with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. This recipe for yogurt sauce is a wonderful accompaniment for falafel, as a dipping sauce or to drizzle over the prepared falafel.

Recipe for yogurt sauce: Blend plain yogurt, pepper, mint, garlic and salt till smooth.

Recipe for relish: Chop tomatoes, cucumber and mint leaves. Mix with plain yogurt and season with mint leaves, salt and pepper.

Sauté chopped onions and garlic. Blend it once it has cooled. Add soaked chickpeas along with seasoning such as cilantro, parsley and cayenne. Add fresh lemon juice. Knead the mixture to form patties. You can grill the patties if you want to avoid deep fried falafel.