International Falafel Day 2020: What is falafel, easy recipe to prepare falafel at home during quarantine
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Every year, on June 12, the International Falafel Day is created to celebrate all-time favorite Chickpea treat. Originated in the Middle East, the dish has always been favourite for both vegetarians and meat-eaters.
In the middle east and Egypt, it is one of the famous street food. During Ramadan or Ramazan Falafel is also taken as a part of Iftar. The Falafel is so famous that the McDonalds serve Falafel in the name McFalafel in many parts of Egypt.
What is Falafel?
Falafel has always been a mainstay on the menu in the Mediterranean, but it also made its way onto the menu in many other countries’ restaurants as well. Falafel balls are deep-fried balls or patties of ground chickpeas or fava beans often enjoyed in a pita with pickled vegetables, on a salad, or by itself. It’s often served with hummus or tahini.
Easy recipe of Falafel to prepare at home during quarantine:
Ingredients:
Chickpeas
Onion
Parsley and Cilantro
Garlic
Green Chile Pepper
Cumin, Cardamom, Salt, and Black Pepper
Chickpea Flour
Baking Soda
Oil for Frying
Process:
Overnight or for at least 8-12 hours. Note that the chickpeas will triple in size, so cover them with plenty of water. Then drain and rinse them.
Add the chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, green pepper, and spices to a food processor. I recommend roughly chopping up the onion, herbs, and pepper before adding. Pulse the food processor but do not blend completely. The final mixture should resemble coarse sand.
Then add the chickpea flour and baking soda, stir it together until it’s fully combined and cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
Chill the falafel mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Shape the falafel balls firmly with hands. Any shape can be used for deep frying. Form all your falafel and place it on a plate.
Heat about 3 inches of oil in a pot on medium heat and gently drop the balls in the pot.
Let them cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden on the outside.