Vegetarian Falafel

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and deep-fried to create a crispy exterior and soft interior. It is typically served in a pita bread with vegetables and a variety of sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 2-3 tablespoons flour
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas and add them to a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse paste.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of flour to the mixture and pulse again to combine. The mixture should be moist but still hold its shape when formed into a ball.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a pan to 350F.
4. Form the mixture into small balls about the size of a golf ball and gently drop them into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Remove the falafel from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
6. Serve the falafel in pita bread with vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers and a variety of sauces such as tahini or yogurt.