Cook lip-smacking Egyptian falafel in 4 simple steps
Falafel, a cherished vegetarian staple in Egyptian cuisine, is traditionally made from ground fava beans or chickpeas, mixed with herbs and spices, and deep-fried for a crispy shell with a tender heart. This Middle Eastern delight not only offers a delectable taste but also holds cultural significance across Egypt and beyond. Let's start cooking to bring the flavors of Egypt into your home.
Gather the following ingredients
To make authentic Egyptian falafel, you will need two cups of dried fava beans (soaked overnight), one cup of fresh parsley (chopped), half a cup of fresh cilantro (chopped), four cloves of garlic (minced), one small onion (chopped), two teaspoons of ground cumin, one teaspoon of ground coriander, half a teaspoon of baking soda, salt to taste, and oil for frying.
Preparing the falafel mixture
Begin by thoroughly draining the soaked fava beans. Next, place them in a food processor with the fresh parsley, cilantro, minced garlic and chopped onion. Add the ground cumin and coriander to the mix. Pulse the ingredients until they form a coarse but cohesive mixture, being careful not to overprocess. The goal is to maintain some texture in your falafel mixture.
Seasoning and shaping
Transfer the falafel mixture into a bowl, and fold in baking soda and salt to your taste. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes, so the flavors can meld together well. After resting, use a spoon to shape the mixture into evenly sized patties or balls, according to your preference, readying them for their crispy transformation in hot oil.
Frying your falafels
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully drop the falafel patties or balls into the hot oil using a spoon or an ice cream scoop for uniformity. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about five minutes per batch.
Serving suggestions
Savor the hot, crispy falafels with a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce or tucked into fluffy pita bread alongside fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. These Egyptian delights are ideal as a flavorful appetizer or as the main course. Suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they offer an authentic culinary experience at any time of the day.
