Falafel, the Lebanese deep fried balls or patties is a snack which very popular in the Middle East. It is now available worldwide, each with its own special version. As a main dish, falafel is served as a sandwich, stuffed in pita bread / Khubboos / Turkish bread with vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. As an appetizer, it is served on a salad, or with hummus and tahini. Falafel is a favourite among vegetarians. It is usually shaped like a ball or flat burger. It may have a pale brown colour, or be darksome. Falafel may have a smooth or grainy texture.
Here is the authentic & traditional recipe for preparing falafel from scratch.
Ingredients
Falafel
- 2 cups Dried chickpeas
- 1 Onion, cut in quarters
- 4-5 Garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 cup Fresh Coriander leaves / Cilantro, chopped
- 2 tsp. Salt
- 1 tbsp. Coriander powder
- 2 tsp. Cumin
- ½ tsp. Pepper powder
- 3 tbsp. Flour
- 1 tsp. Baking soda
- ½ tsp. Baking powder
- ¼ tsp. Lemon juice
- 3-4 tbsps. Dried bread crumbs
- ½ tsp. Chicken masala powder
- ½ tsp. Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Sunflower oil, for frying
Method
- Place dried chick pies in a large bowl filled with cold water and soak it overnight. You can omit this step if using canned beans.
- The next day, drain the chickpeas and grind it in a food processor until they have a breadcrumb like consistency and there are no whole chickpeas left. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Next blend the onion, garlic, coriander leaves in the blender until it is a paste consistency, add to bean mixture.
- Add the ingredients like cumin, chicken masala/cayenne, salt, lemon juice, bread crumbs, pepper and flour. Mix well.
- Taste it to check the salt and spice level.
- Add baking powder and soda about 15 minutes before frying. Mix everything well.
- Make small lemon sized balls from this mix.
- In a large skillet, heat oil. Drop a small of batter into the oil and if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Carefully drop the falafel balls into the oil. Fry them for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. Then flip over and fry other side.
- Remove from the oil and drain on a kitchen towel.
- Serve warm as an appetizer main dish with hummus, tahini, pita bread and vegetables.