Falafels - easy to make, delicious and you can freeze them. I added chopped spring onions to the recipe Falafel is very popular in the Middle East as a fast food. As a main dish, it is served as a sandwich, stuffed in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. As an appetizer, it is served on a salad, or with hummus and tahini. Falafel is a favorite among vegetarians.
In Egypt, McDonald's has their version of a falafel sandwich. Can you guess the name? McFalafel, of course.
As you can imagine, being a vegetarian, I love chickpeas and have found many recipes containing them. Yesterday I made a batch of falafels and froze them. When hubby has his hamburgers, I will make a schwarma for myself . We get the most divine pitas in the neighbourhood. You can read about my trip to the bakery to buy these here.
Falafel (http://www.about.com/)
Ingredients:
• 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper
(I added chopped spring onions)
Method:
Drain the chickpeas and mash roughly.
Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour.
Mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste. (I don't have a processor here in Khartoum)
Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball. Flatten slightly.
Fry in 2 inches of hot olive oil until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
Delicious hot or cold
I could eat hummus with almost anything. Falafels are OK too but I usually cheat and use a mix.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting, Jo.... I have never heard of Falafels before.... I could not EVER be a vegetarian, Jo... It's fine that people are---but that is not for me. I enjoy meat WAY too much!!!! Of course, I enjoy most all food!!! ha
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Thanks Jo for the recipe. It is another one I add to my collection to cook for Sonya, who is a vegetarian and still pregnant.
ReplyDeleteI can never be a full time vegan, occasionally I don't mind. We have something like your Falafels in Malaysia too. We eat it as snacks. Made with chic pea too and curry leaves with some Indian spice.
ReplyDeleteI've had these many times in the US, but never in France. The recipe is very simple, and no eggs. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to tell me how you make schwarma too.
My first time to hear about this Falafel too and I love to try the recipe. I am sure my husband would love this although he is not a vegetarian but he loves vegetables. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day alway.
Gaelyn:)I also love hummus with ANYTHING: baked potato, in a pita, with salad, spread onto bread...
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy;) I think falafels are an acquired taste. You'd do well living in our home province (state) back home. Lots and lots of steaks, especially as it's beef country!
It's my pleasure, diane. Glad you can add to the collection. Thinking of Sonja while she 'waits'
Hi Aries, your version sounds yummy too. Off to see your blog.
Dedene;) it's a quick, easy and economical (not to mention diet-friendly) recipe. Enjoy!
Hi Eden;) let me know how you enjoy making and eating them - I'm glad your husband enjoys vegetables. Many men don't! LOL!
It's been a few years since I've had Falafels but my wife eats them often. I think she'll like this recipe and I bet I will too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOoooh...These look delicious. I saved the recipe. I'm getting the ingredients tomorrow. Thanks, Jo.
ReplyDeleteLooks yummy Jo. I think I've tried it already.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend.