Simple and Easy Falafel Recipe

Falafel is a deep-fried ball, or a flat or doughnut-shaped patty, made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Herbs, spices, and onion relatives are commonly added to the dough. It is a well-known Middle Eastern dish that most likely originated in Egypt. The fritters are now found around the world as part of vegetarian cuisine, and as a form of street food.

Falafel balls are commonly served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread, also known in western Arab countries as taboon. Falafel also frequently refers to a wrapped sandwich prepared with falafel balls laid over a bed of salad or pickled vegetables and drizzled with hot sauce or a tahini sauce. Falafel balls may also be eaten alone as a snack, or served as part of an assortment of appetizers known as a meze.

Ingredients

• 2 table spoon sunflower or vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 400g can chickpea, washed and drained
• 1 table spoon ground cumin
• 1 table spoon ground coriander (or use more cumin)
• handful parsley, chopped, or 1 table spoon dried mixed herbs
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

Step 1

Heat 1 table spoon oil in a large pan. then fry the onion and garlic over a low heat for 5 mins until softened.

Step 2

Tip into a large mixing bowl with the chickpeas and spices, then mash together with a fork or potato masher until the chickpeas are totally broken down.

Step 3

Stir in the parsley or dried herbs, with seasoning to taste. Add the egg, then squish the mixture together with your hands.

Step 4

Mould the mix into 6 balls, then flatten into patties.

Step 5

Heat the remaining oil in the pan, then fry the falafels on a medium heat for 3 mins on each side, until golden brown and firm.

Notes

Serve hot or cold with couscous, pitta bread or salad.

reference: yummynotes