Falafel

Falafel  is a traditional Middle Eastern food made from ground chickpeas . Raw chickpeas are used to Prepare Falafel that have been soaked for 6-8 hours to tenderize them.  Combine all the ingredients in a food processor add some spices and deep fry it...Taddaaa.. Delicious falafels are ready... You can bake it too. Just Spray olive/ canola/ vegetable oil over the falafels so they get crispy on the outside and bake for about 20-25 mins at 350 until the falafels are lightly browned on all sides.
These are commonly served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread. The falafel 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 with rice, salad and tahini dip.

Here is how you can make it at home...

Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight
2-3 cloves garlic chopped
5-6 spring onions finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
red chilli powder to taste or chilli flakes
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
salt to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon baking soda
1tblsp flour/ maida
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice or as per the taste
1tblsp sesame seeds
 Oil for deep-frying


Method:

Drain the chickpeas and transfer to a food processor with all the remaining ingredients except the oil.
Pulse until minced but not pureed. Add water if necessary  but keep the mixture as dry as possible.



Taste and adjust seasoning, add  sesame seeds, flour ,lemon juice as needed.
Heat oil in a pan for deep frying the falafel. Fry the falafel on a medium heat until golden and crispy. Strain on a kitchen towel and serve with yogurt dip or tahini dip.