Falafel

The first time I had falafel was at my cousins place and was hooked. Then there were Mediterranean buffets here in Dallas which had a variety of other salads, dips and vegetables and it soon became one of our favorite cuisines. And other than the deep fried falafel (which I have also baked on previous occasion), the food is healthy and protein packed with the main ingredient being chickpeas. I used to buy falafel mixes before, but after a couple of food network appearances by the dish, I felt confident enough to try it at home. The attempt was very successful and the recipe is a keeper! I made it with tzatziki, two types of hummus and a simple salad. In the recipe I used chili powder instead of green chilies as I made a big batch, enough for two meals. Some times the ground chilies tend to make the dish spicier if stored. This version tastes best when fried, but you can pan fry them in very little oil for good results too!

Falafel 

Ingredients:

3/4 cup raw chickpeas

1/2 medium onion

4-5 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons cumin seeds (jeera)

3/4 cup washed coriander leaves

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt

Pepper

Soak the chickpeas overnight.
In a blender, grind the sesame seeds and olive oil till its a smooth paste. Into this mix, add all the ingredients except the baking powder and grind it into a thick pasty batter. Use as little water as possible. Mix the baking powder into the batter. Heat oil in a deep pan. Shape the batter with a spoon and drop gently into the oil. Cook till brown on the outside. These can also be made in to flat patties and pan fried as well. Serve hot in a pita pocket slathered with hummus and tzatziki. Stuff the salad next. Enjoy!

Simple Salad

Tomatoes

Cucumber

Onion

Peppers (different colors)

Coriander finely chopped

Lemon juice

Salt

Pepper

Take all vegetables in equal quantities and chop in a small dice. Mix with the lemon, salt and pepper. Ready to serve.

Other recipes to follow...

I am sending this to MLLA # 21 hosted by Manju and here is the host lineup for future events.