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.