Falafel

Had been on a trip to Egypt recently and this was one of the most wanted food I came across. It was so popular and cud be easily caught hold of starting from the streets to the 5 star hotels. It's something like our very own bhel puri, n if asked I would categorize it under a chat item :) Having becoming a veggie recently, this food was my savior during the trip. When we were on the cruise, this was served during the Egyptian special food day...n I made sure to get the recipe from the chef....Loved it and here comes the recipe for the same. I did not get a picture of it, as I was so busy gulping it down then ;) So I've browsed for a pic n here it is...

Ingredients:

For Falafel:

Dried Chickpeas - 1 cup

Onion - 1 large

Garlic - 2 or 3 cloves

Fresh parsley - 2 tbsps

Coriander leaves - 2 tbsps

Coriander pdr - 1 tsp

Cumin - 1 tsp

Flour - 1 tbsps

Salt -as req

pepper - as req

egg - 1 (opt)

Oil for frying

Procedure:

Soak chickpeas overnight in water.

Combine chickpeas with garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, parsley, salt and pepper. Add flour and egg(optional) to bind  the ingredients together.Mash the chickpeas well when you mix the ingredients. You can use a food processor for this. once you make a thick paste out of it, make small balls. Slightly flatten and deep fry it oil until golden brown.

Serving Suggestion:

Falafel can be served as an appetizer with hummus and tahini, or as a main course. Stuff pita bread with falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, tahini, salt and pepper. As an alternative, falafel can be formed into patties and served like a burger.