Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem! Assalamu Alaikum dear brothers and sisters! Today, I am delighted to share with you a delicious recipe for homemade falafel, a beloved Middle Eastern dish that brings together crispy and flavorful chickpea fritters, fresh salad, and a tangy tahini sauce. Let’s embark on this culinary journey of mouthwatering flavors and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For serving:
- Pita bread
- Fresh salad (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions)
- Tahini sauce (recipe below)
Tahini Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Chickpeas Start by draining the soaked chickpeas and rinsing them thoroughly. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. It’s important to remove excess moisture for achieving the perfect texture in our falafel.
Step 2: Blending the Falafel Mixture In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, flour, and a pinch of salt. Pulse the mixture until well combined but still slightly coarse. We want to maintain a textured consistency, so avoid over-blending.
Step 3: Shaping the Falafel Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and cover it. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape. Once chilled, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small patties or balls using your hands. Ensure they hold their shape firmly.
Step 4: Frying the Falafel Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Gently place the shaped falafel patties into the hot oil, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Preparing the Tahini Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini paste, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Step 6: Assembling the Falafel Sandwich Warm the pita bread in a lightly greased skillet or oven. Cut it open to create a pocket. Stuff the pita pocket with a few falafel patties, fresh salad ingredients of your choice, and drizzle generously with the prepared tahini sauce.
Step 7: Enjoying the Flavors Now, take a bite of this heavenly falafel sandwich, savoring the harmonious blend of crispy falafel, refreshing salad, and creamy tahini sauce. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to transport your taste buds to culinary paradise.
May this delicious falafel recipe bring joy to your family gatherings, potlucks
