FALAFEL

Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish. It is a fried ball or patty made with chickpeas, herbs and spices. It has become a popular vegan food.

Ingredients

1. Soaked chickpeas – 2 cups

2. Fresh parsley leaves – 1 cup (stem removed)

3. Coriander leaves – ½ cup

4. Fresh dill – ½ cup (optional)

5. Onion – 1 (small)

6. Garlic cloves – 6

7. Green chilli – 2 (optional)

8. Lemon rind – 1 tsp (optional)

9. Black pepper powder – 1 Tbsp

10. Cumin powder – ½ Tbsp

11. Coriander powder – 1 Tbsp

12. Paprika – 1 tsp (optional)

13. Baking powder – 1 tsp

14. Roasted sesame seeds – 2 Tbsp

15. Salt

16. Bread crumbs – ½ cup (optional)

17. Oil for frying

Preparation

1. Soak the dry chickpeas in water for 16-18 hrs and drain them.

2. Add the chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic and spices to a food processor or mixer. Grind to a coarse paste.

3. Transfer to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate at least for 2 hrs or overnight.

4. Remove from refrigerator and add baking powder and sesame seeds and bread crumbs. Mix well.

5. Make balls or patties with wet hand.

6. Heat oil and fry the patties on medium flame until crispy and brown.

7. Serve with hummus or tahini sauce. (Recipe for hummus given in this blog)

Tips

1. The mixture can be kept in the fridge for 1 or 2 days.

2. It can be shallow fried or deep fried or air fried or baked.

3. The ingredients can be ground to a coarse paste in batches depending on the capacity of mixer/ food processor.