23 de mayo de 2023

Falafel

What is Falafel?

Falafel is a deep-fried patty or ball made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. It is a popular food in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and is often served in a pita or wrap with ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini sauce. It is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish, and is also high in protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 small onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation:

The first step in making falafel is to soak the chickpeas overnight in a large bowl of water. Soaking the chickpeas helps to soften them and allows them to absorb more flavor.

Once they have soaked, drain the chickpeas and transfer them to a food processor. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, baking powder, sea salt, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse the mixture until it is well combined and forms a coarse paste.

Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and make the falafel easier to shape.

Once the falafel mixture has rested, it is time to shape it into patties or balls. Take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a ping pong ball. You can also form the falafel into patties or logs. Place the shaped falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the falafel to the skillet and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Once the falafel is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve the falafel with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as tahini sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Enjoy!