Falafel Sihab - chickpea balls

Preparing chickpeas is an essential process to obtain a delicious and healthy dish, so let's get to work! We start by washing the chickpeas well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities or spoiled beans. After cleaning them, place the chickpeas in a large bowl and add a teaspoon of baking soda. This will not only help soften the chickpeas but also contribute to easier digestion. Fill the bowl with cold water, ensuring that the water far exceeds the chickpeas, as they will absorb a considerable amount of water overnight.

Let the chickpeas soak from evening to morning, preferably 8-12 hours. Personally, I left the chickpeas for about 15 hours to ensure they cook evenly. The next day, rinse the chickpeas well under cold water to remove the baking soda and any remaining impurities. Now your chickpeas are ready to be cooked.

After rinsing the chickpeas, place them in a large pot and add fresh water, making sure there is enough to completely cover the chickpeas. You can also add some spices, such as bay leaves or a few peppercorns, to give them a richer flavor. Then, place the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let the chickpeas simmer, covered, for about 1-2 hours, or until they become soft. Check periodically, stirring gently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

After the chickpeas are cooked, you can use them in various recipes, such as hummus, salads, stews, or even as a side dish. They are a versatile ingredient, rich in protein and fiber, that adds extra nutrition to your meals. Additionally, if you prepare a larger quantity, you can freeze them in small portions for later use. This way, you will always have a healthy and tasty ingredient on hand, ready to be incorporated into your meals. Enjoy every moment of cooking and don't forget to experiment with flavors and spices to discover your favorite combinations!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 cup chickpeas, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 medium onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 1/2 bunch chopped parsley, 5 tablespoons sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/8 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/8 teaspoon chili, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 cup oil for frying. Note: If you have falafel mix spices, add 2 teaspoons for a stronger flavor! If you don't have it, that's fine, it works without it!