Falafels with Pine Nuts
Cook Time: 48 hours
Prep Time: 48 hours
Total Time: 96 hours
Recipe Category: Greens
Recipe Yield: 15 Servings
Calories per Serving: 116.6
Fat Content: 3.9g
Saturated Fat Content: 0.4g
Cholesterol Content: 0mg
Sodium Content: 157.4mg
Carbohydrate Content: 16.9g
Fiber Content: 2.7g
Sugar Content: 1.2g
Protein Content: 4.4g
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried fava beans | 1/2 cup |
| Chickpeas | 1/2 cup |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Fresh parsley | 1/2 cup |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground coriander | 1 tsp |
| Red chili powder | 1/8 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Pine nuts | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Onion (for serving) | 1 small |
| Lettuce leaves | 4-5 leaves |
| Garlic clove (for sauce) | 1 |
| Tahini | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt (for sauce) | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Start by soaking the dried fava beans in 1 1/2 cups of cold water. Let them sit for 48 hours, changing the water once a day. If the weather is particularly warm, itโs a good idea to change the water twice a day to keep the beans fresh and prevent spoilage.
Similarly, soak the chickpeas in 1 1/2 cups of cold water for about 15 hours. Once the soaking period is complete, drain the beans and chickpeas well, discarding any remaining water.
Step 2: Remove the Skins of the Fava Beans
To remove the skins from the fava beans, take a small handful at a time and rub the beans together in the palms of your hands. This action will loosen the skins. Once youโve removed most of the skins, discard them, keeping only the bean insides.
Step 3: Blend the Mixture
In a food processor, combine the peeled fava beans, soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, and garlic clove. Process the mixture until you have a fine, smooth paste. If necessary, scrape down the sides of the food processor to ensure everything is evenly ground. Once processed, transfer the mixture into a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Add the Seasonings
To the ground bean mixture, add the freshly chopped parsley, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, pepper, baking soda, and pine nuts. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well incorporated. The addition of pine nuts will give the falafels a delightful crunch and flavor, enhancing their texture and richness.
Step 5: Let the Mixture Rest
Allow the mixture to rest for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to meld together, making your falafels even more flavorful once fried.
Step 6: Shape the Falafels
After the resting period, take a spoonful of the bean mixture and shape it into a patty, about 2 inches in diameter. You can use your hands to form the patties, ensuring they are compact and uniform in shape. Lay the patties on a plate and set them aside for another 30 minutes to allow them to firm up slightly.
Step 7: Deep Fry the Falafels
In a large wok or deep skillet, heat enough oil to submerge the falafel patties. Once the oil is hot (around 350ยฐF or 175ยฐC), carefully lower the patties into the oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the falafels for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp. The oil should sizzle when the falafel patties are added. Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the falafels from the oil and drain them on clean paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 8: Prepare the Tahini Sauce
While the falafels are frying, prepare the tahini sauce by blending the tahini paste with one garlic clove in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then add the lemon juice and water. Continue to process until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Add salt to taste, and blend again for a final mix.
Step 9: Assemble the Falafel Wrap
To serve, split open a piece of khoubz (pita bread) and place a fresh lettuce leaf inside. Add a few slices of tomato or onion on top of the lettuce. Spoon some of the prepared tahini sauce over the onions for extra flavor. Place 2-3 crispy falafels on top, and drizzle with more tahini sauce if desired.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your falafel wraps while theyโre still warm, and enjoy the burst of flavor from the crispy falafels, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce. These falafels with pine nuts make for a perfect meal or snack, especially when served to a large group of friends or family.
Tips for Perfect Falafels
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Resting Time is Key: Allowing the mixture to rest not only helps it firm up but also gives time for the spices and flavors to blend together.
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Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the falafels, but not smoking. If the oil is too cold, the falafels will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and garlic add a vibrant flavor to the falafel mixture, making them more aromatic and flavorful.
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Serve with Sides: These falafels are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a side of tabbouleh, a fresh cucumber salad, or even a yogurt-based dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Enjoy this easy-to-make yet deeply flavorful Falafel recipe with Pine Nuts. Perfect for any gathering or a wholesome meal on its own, this dish brings together the earthiness of chickpeas and fava beans, with the bright spices and creamy tahini sauce. Whether you serve them in a pita, on a platter, or as part of a mezze spread, theyโre sure to be a hit!
