Palestinian Falafel Recipe

Palestinian falafel is a popular street food and dish in Palestinian cuisine, made primarily from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes onions. The mixture is formed into small balls or patties and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Palestinian falafel is typically served in a pita bread or wrapped in flatbread, along with various accompaniments such as tahini sauce, chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, and sometimes pickles or hot sauce.

Falafel is enjoyed throughout the Middle East and beyond, and each region often has its own variation of the recipe. In Palestinian cuisine, falafel is a beloved street food and is also commonly served as part of mezze platters or as a main dish. It’s appreciated for its crispy exterior, flavorful interior, and its versatility in various dishes and preparations.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 6 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried chickpeas in water overnight. Drain and rinse the chickpeas before using.
2. In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Process the mixture until it’s finely ground but not pureed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it’s firm.
4. When you’re ready to fry the falafel, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
5. Form the falafel mixture into small balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
6. Carefully drop the falafel balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the falafel from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
8. Serve the falafel hot, with tahini sauce, hummus, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Palestinian falafel!