Have you tried this Egyptian fava bean falafel recipe
Falafel, a beloved Middle Eastern dish, has won hearts around the globe with its crispy exterior and flavorful interior. Originating from Egypt, this vegetarian and eggless delight primarily uses fava beans, distinguishing it from its chickpea-based counterparts. Rich in history and cultural relevance, falafel is not just food; it's a culinary journey. So, let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To embark on this culinary adventure, you'll need two cups of dried fava beans soaked overnight. Also required are one large chopped onion, two minced cloves of garlic, and one bunch of chopped fresh parsley. For spices, prepare one teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander, and one-half teaspoon of chili powder. Lastly, you'll need salt to taste and oil for frying.
Preparing the fava beans
Begin by thoroughly draining the soaked fava beans. Then, transfer these beans to a food processor, adding in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley. Pulse the mixture until it achieves a coarse consistency. It's crucial to avoid over-processing to ensure the mixture retains a texture suitable for frying, which allows the falafels to hold together well when cooked.
Spice it up
To the bean mixture, add ground cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure these spices are evenly mixed throughout. This step is essential for infusing the falafels with their characteristic flavors that are both rich and tantalizing. The even distribution of spices guarantees that each bite is flavorful, making this step crucial for achieving the authentic taste that falafel lovers crave.
Shaping and frying
Once your mixture is ready and seasoned to perfection, it's time to shape your falafels. You can use your hands or a falafel scoop if available. Aim for small patties or balls about the size of a walnut. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry your falafels in batches until they are golden brown on all sides.
Serving suggestions
Serve your Egyptian fava bean falafels hot with tahini sauce or in pita bread with tomatoes and cucumbers for an authentic touch. They're perfect as an appetizer or main dish for any event. This guide helps you easily create a vegetarian dish that offers both taste and a piece of Egyptian culinary heritage at your table.