Falafel is a famous Lebenese Mezze. The word falafel derived from the Arabic word falāfil, meaning “pepper.” It is prepared by coarsely grinding soaked chickpeas ,deep fried patty and served wrapped in Pita pockets with tahini and hummus.It has also become a popular vegan food in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.
Mezze is a selection of small dishes or big platters served in the Middle East as a fritters/ snack or main meal. The word Mezze is derived from Turkish word mezze which means taste or snacks.
Chickpeas is a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber,improving digestion, aiding weight management and reducing the risk of several diseases. Additionally, chickpeas are high in protein and make an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets.Added veggies in a pita bread ,becomes a filling and nourishing meal!
Prep time : 12 hours
Cooking time : 30 mins
Level : Easy
Ingredients
- Chickpeas beans (soaked overnight) – 300 gm
- Onion (chopped) – 1 cup
- Fresh parsley with stem (chopped) – 1/4 cup
- Green chilly – 2 nos
- Garlic cloves – 5 nos
- Salt – to taste
- Cumin – 2 tsp
- Black pepper – to taste
- Vegetable oil – for frying
- Coriander stem – 1 no
Method
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. In a food processor coarsely ground the chickpeas with chopped onion, garlic, parsley, coriander stem and cumin seeds. Pulse the ingredients together until a rough, coarse meal forms.
2. Transfer the coarsely grounded mixture in a bowl. Add Salt and black pepper. Adjust seasoning.
3. Using wet hands, prepare a round patty or ball with the mixture.The balls will stick together loosely at first, but will bind nicely once they begin to fry.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan. Golden fry the patty.
5. Cut the pita bread in half to form two pockets. Stuff the pocket with falafel. You can add lettuce, onions ,pickles and tahini into the pita pockets to enhance the taste.
6. Serve hot falafal with hummus and tahini paste wrapped in Pita bread.
Note : Tahini, a thick paste made from crushed sesame seeds. Tahini sauce is a mixture of tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic, and water. This traditional sauce is served in Israel and in Arab countries throughout the Middle East.
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