Falafel

Falafel - is an important element of the Middle-eastern Cuisine. It is basically a vegetarian deep fried snack in the form of a  ball or a patty . It's main ingredient is raw chickpeas (soaked overnight) or fava beans. Falafels can be served in many different variations... in a pita, in the form of salad , wraps or just as a fritter.

Ingredients :

Chickpeas - 1 cup (soaked overnight)
Onion - 1
Garlic - 3-4 cloves
Lemon juice - 2 1/2 Tbsp
Roasted Cumin powder - 2 tsp
Dry mango powder - 1 tsp
Red chili powder - 1 tsp
Green Chili - 1
Fresh Coriander - few sprigs
Semolina - 2 Tbsp
Dry Bread Crumbs -3 Tbsp
Salt - to taste


Pre-Preparation:

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight or for atleast 4-5hrs. They will approximately double in volume.
2. Finely chop the onion and coriander leaves.

Preparation :

1. In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas , garlic and green chilli and make a fine paste.

2. Transfer it to a bowl, add onion and coriander.

3. Add the spices , cumin powder, red chili powder and dry mango powder.

4. Season with salt.

5. Mix well, and add the lemon juice .

6. Part by part, add the semolina and bread crumbs until the mixture binds together.

    (You can adjust the amount of semolina and bread crumbs according to the consistency of the paste.)

7.Cover and keep the mixture for 10-15 minutes. 

8. Heat the oil for frying in a wok.(Make sure the oil is not too hot , otherwise the falafel will be uncooked from inside.)

9. Divide the mixture in equal parts , and make balls or patty or any desired shape.

10. Fry the shaped falafels in small batches on medium heat , until they are golden brown from both sides and cooked from inside. ( The falafels will become fluffy on its own if cooked at the right temperature.)

11. Take the falafels out on a kitchen towel to drain the excess oil.

Serving Suggestion:

1. Falafels are generally served with a hummus dip , but they go great with any green chutney or yoghurt dip.
2. As part of a green salad.
3. With pita bread .

PS : You can prepare the mixture beforehand and just fry them as and when required.

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Enjoy !! and Happy Cooking !!!

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