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Falafel


Falafel originated in Egypt where it is traditionally made with just fava beans (no chickpeas), green onions, coriander seeds, and most of the other ingredients listed in this recipe. It has since spread all over the Mediterranean as well as the rest of the world. Variations are many, but this recipe is for the falafel commonly cooked in Syria. For a more Israeli variety, make it with just chick peas (no favas) and add za’atar to the mix. Also try adding crushed red pepper, lemon juice, and other flavorings.
Origin: Middle East
Recipe credit: The Global Foods Online Kitchens
Image credit: The Global Foods Online Kitchens
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Ingredients
  • 2 cups dried fava beans, or 2 cups dried chickpeas, or 1 cup of each
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seed
  • 8 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 onion, peeled
  • 1 cup fresh parsley with stems removed
  • A few sprigs fresh coriander (aka cilantro) with stems removed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Sumac as desired

Instructions:
1. Soak the fava beans and/or chickpeas for at least 24 hours. Drain.

2. Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a small skillet on medium heat for a just a few minutes. Grind the toasted seeds.

3. In a food processor, chop the garlic and onion. Add the ground toasted coriander and cumin, parsley, fresh coriander, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.

4. Add the chickpeas and baking powder, but process just enough to grind the chickpeas and incorporate the other ingredients. Do not puree or over-process it.

5. Shape into balls about 1 inch in diameter.

6. Heat an inch or two of vegetable in a pan or deep fryer.

7. Fry the falafels until dark brown and crispy on the outside.

8. As soon as the falafels come out of the oil, season generously with sumac.

9. Serve by themselves or in warm pita bread with salads, hummus, tahini, and hot sauce. If you want, you can even add French fries to the pita sandwich as is done in many Middle Eastern countries.
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