Eating healthy really can be tasty when adding the right spices and herbs. When I see my little one coming back for more, I know I have made a hit even when it's beans or peas which are her least favorite food. Falafels which are normally found in middle eastern places can be done right in your own kitchen. I make this often because it is healthy and very easy especially, when coming from work. I used dried chick peas which I boiled a few days ago and refrigerated. However, if you prefer to use the can chick peas, rinse the peas before adding to your dish.
Check out the ingredients which you can find on any website.
2 cups of cooked chick peas - (this will give you about 12 golf size balls of falafels)
1 whole onion
3 garlic cloves
1 cup of Parsley.(ran out of this so I used cilantro mixed with basil)
2 tsp Coriander seed (this smells so good.- make sure you grind it first)
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp flour.(it called for 2 tlb spoon flour for 1 cup) - small amount was fine for me
Sea Salt
Black Pepper. I used cayenne
In a blender or chopper, chop parsley, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper until everything is finely chopped. Now
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| Chopped greens and Onions first before adding the chick peas |
Add the peas and sift in the flour sparingly, not in clumps, then blend everything together into a paste.
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| Blended ingredients should look like this |
Now roll into small balls and fry. Deep frying is what you would get from outside restaurants, but as a health conscious minded person, I prefer to fry my falafels in a frying pan with minimum oil.
It's very important that the oil is extremely hot before you begin frying, but please be careful. The falafels should be the size of a golf ball. I have also made it into patty like burgers as well. Whichever way you prefer, it will taste absolutely delicious. Fry on one side until brown and turn over often until all sides are brown, Please enjoy, but be warned that they normally disappear before the table is set.
You can eat as a sandwich between two slices of bread, or stuffed into a pita, with a lettuce. I made a quick sesame seed sauce to go on top which my husband enjoyed. Will share at another time. My daughter decided she wanted hers with barbeque sauce, hmmm??? But a little hummus on top is just as good. I have added salsa on top as well, but be creative and I am sure you will see that this dish can be delicious with other sauces in your refrigerator. Enjoy and share your thoughts......:)
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