Indulge in the savory goodness of our Israeli Falafel, expertly crafted from ground chickpeas or fava beans. Each bite is a delightful blend of textures, with a crispy exterior giving way to a tender, herb-infused center. Served in warm pita bread and topped with fresh salad and creamy tahini sauce, this dish is a true Middle Eastern classic that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Tel Aviv.
Here's a recipe for authentic Israeli Falafel:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
- Pita bread, salad, and tahini sauce, for serving
Instructions:
1- Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them well. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
2- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but not paste-like. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times.
3- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
4- Once chilled, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
5- In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the falafel balls or patties into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
6- Fry the falafel for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7- Serve the falafel in warm pita bread, topped with salad and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce. Enjoy your homemade Israeli falafel!
Nutritional Values :
Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients in the falafel recipe:
1 cup dried chickpeas (approx. 200g):
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 15g
Benefits: High in protein and fiber; provides essential vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium.
1 small onion (approx. 100g):
- Calories: 40
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants; supports immune health and adds flavor.
3 garlic cloves (approx. 9g):
- Calories: 12
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Contains antioxidants; supports heart health and adds flavor.
1/4 cup fresh parsley (approx. 15g):
- Calories: 5
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K; provides antioxidants and adds fresh flavor.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (approx. 15g):
- Calories: 5
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C; supports digestion and adds fresh flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cumin:
- Calories: 8
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.4g
Benefits: Adds flavor; provides antioxidants and supports digestion.
1 teaspoon ground coriander:
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
Benefits: Adds flavor; contains antioxidants and supports digestive health.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Helps with texture; leavening agent for better consistency.
Salt and pepper, to taste:
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Enhances flavor; salt supports electrolyte balance.
Oil, for frying (approx. 2 tablespoons)
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Adds flavor and texture; provides healthy fats.
Pita bread (approx. 1 round, 60g):
- Calories:160
- Fat:1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 6g
Benefits: Provides carbohydrates and some protein; complements the falafel.
Salad (approx. 1 cup):
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 3g (from olive oil if used)
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Benefits: Adds fresh vegetables, vitamins, and fiber.
Tahini sauce (approx. 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 5g
Benefits: Provides healthy fats and protein; contains calcium and adds flavor.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
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