Falafel - Deep-fried Chickpea balls/fritters

     

Falafel is a middle eastern food which is popular all over the world. They are made with ground chickpeas or a combination of chickpeas and fava beans. Falafel balls are served in a pita bread with salad (tomatoes, cucumbers,lettuce ) along with some tahini sauce. They can also be enjoyed as a snack.

Falafel- Deep fried Chickpea fritters

Falafel

Ingredients :

• 2 cups dried chickpeas
• 1 onion chopped
• 4-5 cloves of garlic
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro/coriander leaves
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• oil for deep frying
• salt

* You could even use 1/2 cup fresh parsley and 1/2 cup fresh Cilantro leaves.

Preparation : Soak  the dried chickpeas in about 6 cups of water and keep it overnight or for about 10-12 hours. Drain the chickpeas and dry them well. Now grind it in a food processor along with the chopped onion , garlic and  fresh Cilantro. Add the dry spices- red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper and salt. Mix it well. Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan. Take about 2 tablespoons of the falafel mixture onto your palm and shape into balls. Some like to flatten it a bit and make into patties . Now carefully drop the falafel balls into the oil and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. This recipe makes 30 falafel balls. To serve : Place 3-4 falafel balls in a pita bread pocket. Add some lettuce, chopped tomatoes and cucumber. Add some pickled jalapenos. Drizzle some Tahini sauce and enjoy.

Falafel