Traditional Falafel
The most time-consuming step in this recipe is soaking the chickpeas for 24 hours. After that, the falafel balls come together quickly and easily. Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, tahini, hot sauce, and a minty yogurt sauce, such as Cucumber Raita from vegetariantimes.com.
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The most time-consuming step in this recipe is soaking the chickpeas for 24 hours. After that, the falafel balls come together quickly and easily. Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, tahini, hot sauce, and a minty yogurt sauce, such as Cucumber Raita from vegetariantimes.com.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, rinsed and sorted
- 1/2 tsp. plus 1/3 tsp. baking soda, divided
- 1 small leek, white and light green part cut into 4 or 5 pieces
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 Tbs. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 cups canola oil
Preparation
1. Place chickpeas and 1/2 tsp. baking soda in large bowl, and cover with 3 to 4 cups water. Soak chickpeas 24 hours. Drain.
2. Place chickpeas, remaining 1/3 tsp. baking soda, leek, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using) in bowl of food processor. Process 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until chunky paste forms.
3. Shape 1 Tbs. chickpea mixture into compact ball, pressing out any excess moisture, and place on plate. Repeat with remaining mixture.
4. Heat oil to 350°F in large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 falafel balls, and cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until browned on bottoms. Roll, and cook 1 to 2 minutes more, or until golden brown all over. Transfer to paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining falafel balls.
Nutrition Information
- Calories 35
- Carbohydrate Content 4 g
- Cholesterol Content 0 mg
- Fat Content 2 g
- Fiber Content 0.5 g
- Protein Content 1 g
- Saturated Fat Content 0.5 g
- Sodium Content 46 mg
- Sugar Content 0.5 g