Falafel Recipe: A Taste of Southwest Asia (Middle East)
Overview:
Falafel is a beloved dish originating from the heart of Southwest Asia, particularly the Middle East, where it’s celebrated for its flavorful profile and versatile nature. This recipe, sourced from lovewithrecipes.com, offers a delightful rendition of falafel that’s not only delicious but also vegan, low in cholesterol, and packed with healthy nutrients. Perfect for lunch or snacks, these falafel patties are a crowd-pleaser, suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and festive potluck gatherings. Let’s delve into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 24 hours
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours and 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Rating: 4.5 (based on 4 reviews)
Ingredients:
For the Falafel Patties:
- 1 1/2 cups dried garbanzo beans
- 1/2 onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp salt
For Serving:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pita bread
- Hot pepper sauce (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 561.3
- Fat: 12.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1430.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 90.7g
- Fiber: 17g
- Sugar: 10.5g
- Protein: 24.1g
Instructions:
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Prepare Chickpeas: Start by picking over, rinsing, and soaking the dried garbanzo beans overnight or until they double in size.
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Drain and Chop: Thoroughly drain the soaked chickpeas. Then, place them in a food processor and finely chop them until they reach a coarse consistency.
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Add Ingredients: To the chopped chickpeas in the food processor, add the onion, fresh parsley leaves, garlic cloves, ground cumin, salt, coriander seeds, baking soda, and ground red pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is coarsely pureed.
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Incorporate Flour: Transfer the chickpea mixture into a bowl and stir in the all-purpose flour until well combined.
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Shape Patties: With wet hands, form the chickpea mixture into 4 patties, each approximately 3 inches in diameter. Allow them to stand for 15 minutes.
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Preheat Oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Fry Falafel: In a deep skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Fry the chickpea patties until they turn golden brown on both sides, approximately 4 minutes per side. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Prepare Tahini Sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the tahini, cold water, fresh lemon juice, and salt to create the tahini sauce.
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Warm Pita Bread: Wrap the pita bread in foil and heat it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
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Assemble Falafel Wraps: Open one edge of each warmed pita bread and distribute a generous amount of lettuce and tomatoes inside. Place a falafel patty into each pita and drizzle with the prepared tahini sauce. For those who enjoy an extra kick, add some hot pepper sauce if desired.
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Enjoy: Serve these delicious falafel wraps immediately, savoring the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Additional Notes:
- Meal Prep Tip: Consider doubling the recipe and frying the falafel patties as needed throughout the week. They also make excellent finger food when dipped into the tahini sauce, offering a satisfying snack or appetizer option.
Conclusion:
With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and fragrant blend of herbs and spices, this falafel recipe is a true culinary delight that transports you to the bustling streets of the Middle East. Whether enjoyed as a quick weekday lunch or a flavorful addition to a weekend gathering, these falafel wraps are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey filled with love, flavor, and wholesome goodness!
