Falafel with Yogurt dip

Falafel is another Middle Eastern food. Its in the form of a ball or patty made from combination of chickpeas and fava beans. It is also considered as national dish of Israel.

           Before we proceed towards making this yummy fritters, as We have mentioned these are usually made with fava beans and chickpeas but if you don't get fava you always can make them with chickpeas alone as We did.

FALAFELS


Ingredients:


150 gm chickpeas soaked overnight and cooked
1 medium onion chopped
3-4 cloves garlic finely chopped
1/2 tsp soda bicarbonate
1/4 cup chopped cilantro or coriander
1/4 cup chopped mint
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp lemon juice
1tbsp plain flour (to coat the patties)
Salt,paprika(optional) and pepper to taste
Oil for deep frying
(It can be baked to reduce the high fat content associated with frying. But it can surely alter the texture and flavor)

Directions:


                  Drain the chickpeas and place it in a blender. Blend it to get a coarsely mixture and not creamy or paste kind, and set it in a bowl. Now again blend coriander, onion, cilantro, mint,lemon juice, garlic. Blend until coarsely. Mix both the mixture in the bowl and add the spices like salt, pepper, cinnamon, cumin, paprika and add bread crumbs. Refrigerate this mixture until firm. If you have a falafel maker you can make it either with the help or two round spoons you can make it similar as the falafel maker.

                  There is a third option that its making it like a patty. Before shaping them don't forget to add soda bicarbonate. Dust them lightly with flour and then deep fry in hot oil, do turn them frequently until brown and crispy. Drain these on paper towels so that the excess oil it absorbed.Serve it with chilled yogurt dip.


Tip: Make them just before eating as refrying can make it chewy

YOGURT DIP

Ingredients:
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 tbsp lemon zest
1tbsp freshly squeezed lemon
1tsp salt
1tbsp freshly chopped cilantro
1tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1/2 tsp ground cumin
garlic (optional)

Directions:


Mix all the ingredients in a bowl with a whisker.Chill until ready to use.

        These Falafels can be served in many ways from pita pockets sandwiches or can be wrapped in any flat bread like tortilla. These can also be eaten alone as a snack with hot sauce, pickled vegetables, tahini sauce and as we serving it with yogurt dip.We would be pleased to hear it from you about this recipe.

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