How to Prepare Falafel: A Guide to Making Authentic Middle Eastern Snack
Falafel, a beloved Middle Eastern snack, has been captivating taste buds around the world with its crunchy texture and rich flavors. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, learning how to prepare falafel is a rewarding experience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making falafel from scratch, ensuring that you can enjoy this delicious snack at home.
Ingredients
Before diving into the preparation process, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 cup of chickpeas (or 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
– 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
– 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for cooking)
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas
Start by soaking the chickpeas in water for at least 8 hours or overnight. This will help soften the chickpeas and make them easier to blend.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
After the chickpeas have soaked, drain and rinse them. Add the chickpeas, bread crumbs, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and baking powder to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste, but still has some texture.
Step 3: Shape the Falafel
Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and shape it into small, round balls. You can use your hands or a spoon to shape the mixture. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more bread crumbs until it becomes manageable.
Step 4: Fry the Falafel
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the falafel balls into the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the falafel is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve the falafel hot, either as a snack with a side of hummus, or as part of a falafel wrap or salad.
Conclusion
Preparing falafel at home is not only a delightful experience but also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. By following these simple steps, you can now enjoy this delectable Middle Eastern snack whenever you desire. Happy cooking!
