Falafel

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern “fast food” made of a mixture of chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs, and spices that are formed into a small patties or balls.  It’s thought that falafel originated in Egypt as Coptic Christians looked for a hearty replacement for meat during long seasons of fasting or lent.  It has also become a popular vegan food in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (Do NOT use canned or cooked chickpeas)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, stems removed
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 7–8 garlic cloves, peeled
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper, optional
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Oil for frying

Falafel Sauce

• Tahini Sauce

Fixings for falafel sandwich (optional)

• Pita pockets
• English cucumbers, chopped or diced
• Tomatoes, chopped or diced
• Baby Arugula
• Pickles

Instructions

1. (One day in advance)Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer  if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
2. Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture.
3. Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly.Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.

4. Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
5. Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
6. Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
7. Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
8. Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahinior hummus, arugula, tomato and cucumbers. Enjoy!

Notes

• Cook’s Tip:You need to start with dry chickpeas, do not use canned chickpeas here. You will need to begin soaking the chickpeas overnight, allow up to 24 hours.
• Falafel Recipe variations:Variations of this recipe may call for flour or eggs. If you prefer, you can add 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp of flour to the falafel mix or 1 egg. I did not use either, and the falafel mixture stayed well together.
• Pro Tip for Frying:When you fry the falafel patties, you want to achieve a deep golden brown color on the outside. More importantly, the patties need to be fully done on the inside. Your frying oil needs to be at 375 degrees F, for my stove, that was at a medium-high temp. Be sure to test your first batch and adjust the frying time as needed.
• Baked Falafel Option:If you prefer, you can bake the falafel patties in a 350 degree F heated oven for about 15-20 minutes, turning them over midway through. Use a lightly oiled sheet pan, and you might like to give the patties a quick brush of extra virgin olive oil before baking.

Pro-Tip for Make-Ahead: To make ahead and freeze, prepare the falafel mixture and divide into patties (up to step #6). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze. When they harden, you can transfer the falafel patties into a freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for a month or so. You can fry or bake them from frozen. (the Mediterranean dish)