Falafel - is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Falafel is a traditional Arab food, usually served in a pita bread, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flat bread known as lafa; "Falafel" also frequently refers to a wrapped sandwich that is prepared in this way. The Falafel balls are topped with salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces. Falafel balls may also be eaten alone as a snack or served as part of a meze.
Generally accepted to have first been made in Egypt, felafel has become a dish eaten throughout the Middle East. The Copts of Egypt claim to have first made the dish as a replacement for meat during Lent. The fritters are now found around the world as a replacement for meat and as a form of street food.
The prepration is a little tedious and many small small things need to be done, but the end result is simply amazing.
The Pita Bread is now available ready in bakeries like Fresh n Fresh and Upper Crust ready off the shelf, and if they are not you can have it ordered and made.
There are 4-5 parts to this recipie, here goes.
Ingredients for the Patties:
1 1/2 cup chickpeas (White Chole) soaked overnight and drained do not boil them as they will be deepfried.
1 medium onion, finely chopped.
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic.
3 tablespoons fresh coriander finely chopped.
2-3 green chillies finely chopped.
3/4 teaspoon Jeera powder.
Salt/Pepper to taste.
2 tablespoons flour(Besan) for binding.
Oil for frying.
Preparation:
Crush the soaked chickpeas in a grinder but leave them coarse do not turn them into a fine paste, Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, green chillies, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour and combine well.
Form the mixture into small balls or flat discs.
Fry until golden brown and keep aside
Ingredients for the HOT SAUCE:
3/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon Harisa (see below for recipe)
1/2 teaspoon Sugar
salt to taste
Preparation:
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 15 -20 minutes. Stir frequently.
This is for spreading inside the Falafel.
Ingredients for the Harisa
10-12 dried red chili peppers
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds powder
1 teaspoon ground caraway seeds powder (Ajwan seeds)
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed powder(Jeera powder)
Preparation:
Soak the dried chilies in hot water for 30 minutes. Drain. Remove stems and seeds.
In a food processor combine chili peppers, garlic, salt, and olive oil. Blend.
Add remaining spices and blend to form a smooth paste.
Mix with the hot sauce and use as required.
Ingredients for HUMMUS:
1 cup of chickpeas soaked and boiled till soft and mashable
Lemon juice (depending on taste) i like my hummus really tangy.
1 tablespoon Roasted and ground sesame seeds (Til Seeds).
2 cloves garlic, crushed
salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation:
Boil the chickpeas and set aside to cool . Combine all the ingredients in blender or food processor. Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil.
This is to be applied inside of the pita bread when assembling the Falafel
Ingredients for the SALAD:
1/2 cup cabbage / lettuces shredded
1/2 cup capsicum sliced
1/2 cup carrot grated finely
olive oil/salt and pepper for flavoring.
Combine all the ingredients and toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
Assembly of the Falafel
Lightly toast the pita bread so they become soft and start to open up on 1 side, apply hot sauce on 1 side and hummus on the other side of the bread, layer genereously with the salad and the pita balls and close and enjoy a hearty middle east closed sandwich.
