Falafel (Arab specific)

Falafel - Flavored Chickpea Meatballs

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Soaking time: 12-16 hours
Roasting time: 10 minutes
Total time: 12-16 hours and 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Falafel is a very popular delicacy in cuisines around the world, combining the rich taste of chickpeas with the distinctive flavors of aromatic spices. These crispy meatballs are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and are an excellent source of plant protein. Over time, falafel has become a symbol of healthy eating and is often eaten by vegetarians and vegans. It's a versatile dish, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious dish!

Ingredients

- 2 cups chickpeas (about 400 g), dried
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 1 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 chili pepper (optional for a little spice)
- Salt to taste
- Seasoning:
- 2 level teaspoons cumin
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of baking soda
- Oil for frying

Utensils needed

- Large pot for soaking chickpeas
- Food processor or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Frying oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- Skimmer or skimmer to remove the falafel from the oil

Brief History

Falafel has deep roots in Middle Eastern culinary traditions. Believed to have been eaten for thousands of years, it was originally made from beans. Over time, chickpeas became the main ingredient due to their availability and taste. The dish has gained popularity not only in its regions of origin but also around the world, becoming a symbol of healthy street food.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing chickpeas
Start by washing the chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water. Then place it in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Leave to soak for 12-16 hours. This step is essential as the chickpeas need to be soft enough to be ground.

2. Grinding the ingredients
Once the chickpeas have softened, drain and rinse them. In a food processor or food processor, add the chickpeas, quartered onion, parsley, chili pepper, garlic and a pinch of salt. Grind until smooth but not too fine. It is important that the mixture has a slightly grainy texture.

3. Adding the spices
To the bowl with the chickpea mixture, add the cumin, pepper, baking powder and baking soda. Knead the mixture well with your hands or a spatula until all the ingredients are fully integrated. This step will help the meatballs stick together better.

4. Forming the meatballs
Using moistened hands, form small patties or balls about 3-4 cm in diameter. Make sure they are tightly packed so they don't fall apart during frying.

5. Frying the falafel
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil to about 180°C. Test the temperature by adding a meatball to the oil - if it rises to the surface and starts to sizzle, the oil is ready. Fry the meatballs in batches until golden and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a skimmer to remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.

6. Serving the falafel
Serve the falafel hot with fresh tomatoes, green onions and olives. Don't forget the pita or Arabic pastry, which is perfect for wrapping up these delicious meatballs. You can also add a tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce for added flavor.

Practical tips

- Chickpea version: If you don't have time to soak the chickpeas, you can use canned chickpeas, but these will require adjustments in proportions and the falafel may not have the same texture.
- Spices: You can experiment with other spices, such as coriander or paprika, to get a personalized taste.
- Freezing: F falafel balls can be frozen before frying. Place them on a tray in the freezer until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. When you're ready to prepare them, fry them straight from the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it important not to boil chickpeas?
Boiling chickpeas before making falafel is not recommended, as the chickpeas become too soft and the meatballs will not keep well when fried.

2. Can I bake falafel?
Yes, you can bake the falafel in the oven, greased with a little oil, at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through to brown evenly.

3. What drinks go well with falafel?
A cold lemonade or mint tea are excellent choices that perfectly complement the flavors of falafel.

Nutritional benefits

Falafel is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins (especially B-complex) and minerals such as iron and magnesium. Thanks to its rich vegetable content, it is a healthy choice for anyone who wants to add more herbs to their diet.

I hope this falafel recipe will inspire you to put your imagination to work in the kitchen. Making falafel is a rewarding experience and the end result is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: -2 glasses (of water) parsley, a bunch-1 onion-4 cloves of garlic-1 hot pepper-salt-spices (cumin - 2 teaspoons, pepper - to taste)-1 teaspoon baking powder-a pinch of baking soda