Falafel - made from Chickpeas

Soak the chickpeas in cold water for about 24 hours, but they can be left even longer, without going below 24 hours. It is essential to remove the chickpeas that float to the surface, as these are signs of spoilage. During this period, it is important to change the water a few times, about every few hours, to improve the hydration process and prevent bacteria from forming. A few hours before bedtime, change the water again and place the bowl in the refrigerator so that the chickpeas remain cool and continue to hydrate effectively.

After the chickpeas have been soaked, drain them well and place them in a food processor. Add the chopped onion, the washed and drained parsley bunch, including the stems, to add intense flavor to the dish. Blending should be done carefully; do not mix the chickpeas until they become a fine paste, but leave some larger pieces to provide texture to the fritters. If you have a small-sized processor, it is recommended to blend the ingredients in stages, starting with the chickpeas, then adding the onion and parsley.

In a large bowl, combine the ground chickpeas with the onion, crushed garlic, and parsley. Then, add spices like cumin, coriander, and salt to taste. Baking soda is an important ingredient, as it helps make the fritters fluffier. After you have mixed all the ingredients well, cover the bowl and let the mixture chill for about an hour. This step allows the flavors to develop and makes the mixture easier to shape.

After the resting time has passed, use your hands to form the fritters. You can opt for round, flat, or elongated shapes, depending on your preferences. Traditionally, fritters are shaped with a special utensil, but it is perfectly acceptable to use your hands. Personally, I chose to give them an elliptical shape, similar to Arabic fritters (kibe).

Finally, heat the oil in a pan over medium to high heat. When the oil is hot, add the fritters, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden and crispy on the outside, which will take a few minutes on each side. These chickpea fritters can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or with a yogurt sauce, and each bite will be an explosion of delicious flavors and textures, perfect for a healthy and comforting meal.

 Ingredients: 250 g chickpeas, 1 large onion, 1 clove of garlic, 1 bunch of parsley, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, a pinch of baking soda, salt.

 Tags:  onion greenness garlic gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes