Experience the Middle East: A Simple Falafel Recipe

Hello there! Are you ready to experience a taste of the Middle East? If you’re looking for a simple and delicious recipe to try at home, look no further than falafel. This vegetarian dish is packed with flavor and is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. Here’s my recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 can of chickpeas
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • Middle Eastern cuisine
    Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. coriander
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and baking powder. Pulse until everything is finely chopped but not pureed.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour. The mixture should be thick enough to form balls. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
  4. Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Flatten them slightly with your palm.
  6. Carefully drop the falafel balls into the hot oil and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  7. Remove the falafel from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
  8. Serve the falafel hot with pita bread, hummus, and tzatziki sauce.

That’s it! Falafel is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy meal. It’s also great for entertaining guests or bringing to a potluck. If you’ve never tried falafel before, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!