Printer Friendly
The Free Library
14,559,005 articles and books
Member login
User name  
Password 
 
Join us Forgot password?

Falafel: healthy Middle Eastern hamburgers capture the West.


NOT MANY WALKING BY TODAY'S FALAFEL fa·la·fel or fe·la·fel  
n.
1. Ground spiced chickpeas shaped into balls and fried.

2. A sandwich filled with such a mixture.
 stands know that this dish, mostly consumed con·sume  
v. con·sumed, con·sum·ing, con·sumes

v.tr.
1. To take in as food; eat or drink up. See Synonyms at eat.

2.
a.
 as a fast food, has a history dating back to the days of the pharaohs This article contains a list of the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, from the Early Dynastic Period before 3000 BC through to the end of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, when Egypt became a province of Rome under Augustus Caesar in 30 BC. . Falafel were probably first prepared in ancient Egypt Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled due to vandalism. ; from that era, they have remained that country's national food. Today, this vegetarian vegetarian /veg·e·tar·i·an/ (vej?e-tar´e-an)
1. one who practices vegetarianism.

2. pertaining to vegetarianism.


veg·e·tar·i·an
n.
One who practices vegetarianism.
 dish par excellence is so much a staple food A staple food is a food that forms the basis of a traditional diet, particularly that of the poor. Staple foods vary from place to place, but are typically inexpensive starchy foods of vegetable origin that are high in food energy (Calories) and carbohydrate and that can be stored  in Egypt Egypt (ē`jĭpt), Arab. Misr, biblical Mizraim, officially Arab Republic of Egypt, republic (2005 est. pop. 77,506,000), 386,659 sq mi (1,001,449 sq km), NE Africa and SW Asia.  that its name, ta'miyya, is the Arabic word for "nourishment nour·ish·ment
n.
Something that nourishes; food.
," making Egypt the only country in the world where they are not known as falafel.

Through the centuries, falafel spread from Egypt to neighboring neigh·bor  
n.
1. One who lives near or next to another.

2. A person, place, or thing adjacent to or located near another.

3. A fellow human.

4. Used as a form of familiar address.

v.
 countries. In ancient times, they were the ultimate snack food. Their mouth-watering mouth·wa·ter·ing or mouth-wa·ter·ing  
adj.
Appealing to the sense of taste; appetizing: the mouthwatering aroma of a baking pie.

Adj. 1.
 aroma flowed from the cooking stalls in Aleppo Aleppo (əlĕp`ō) or Alep (əlĕp`), Arabic Haleb, city (1993 est. pop. 1,500,000), capital of Aleppo governorate, NW Syria. , Damascus Damascus (dəmăs`kəs), Arabic Dimashq or ash-Sham, city (1995 est. pop. 1,500,000), capital of Syria and of its Damascus governorate, SW Syria, on the eastern edge of the Anti-Lebanon Mts. , Beirut Beirut (bārt`), Arab. Bayrut, Fr. Beyrouth, city (1996 est. pop. 1,200,000), W Lebanon, capital of Lebanon, on the Mediterranean Sea, at the foot of the Lebanon Mts. , Jerusalem Jerusalem (jər`sələm, –zələm), Heb. Yerushalayim, Arab. Al Quds, city (1994 pop. 578,800), capital of Israel. , and other Middle Eastern cities, begging to relieve the hunger pangs "Pangs" is the eighth episode of season 4 of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Plot synopsis
Summary
Angel secretly arrives in Sunnydale to protect Buffy, who is attempting a perfect Thanksgiving.
 of passersby.

Over the last few decades, falafel have become a food consumed worldwide. Emigration emigration: see immigration; migration.  to the West has brought with it a number of the Arab and Middle Eastern dishes, perhaps the most important of these being the falafel sandwich. In North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , consumption of these croquettes is fast spreading throughout large urban centers. Known as "the hamburgers of the Middle East," falafel are beginning to compete with meat counterparts in the fast food arena and often bypassing them as a much healthier alternative. To a vegetarian, they are a godsend god·send  
n.
Something wanted or needed that comes or happens unexpectedly.



[Alteration of Middle English goddes sand, God's message : goddes, genitive of God, God
.

WHAT ARE FALAFEL?

Traditional falafel patties or balls are spicy, deep-fried deep-fry
tr.v. deep-fried, deep-fry·ing, deep-fries
To fry by immersing in a deep utensil of fat or oil: deep-fry doughnuts; deep-fried the chicken wings.

Adj. 1.
, bean-based foods that get their name from the Arabic word fulful, meaning "pepper." Their basic ingredient is ground broad beans broad beans

see viciafaba.
, chickpeas, or a combination of both. They are tasty tast·y  
adj. tast·i·er, tast·i·est
1. Having a pleasing flavor; savory.

2. Having or showing good taste; tasteful.



tast
, inexpensive, rich in protein and carbohydrates Carbohydrates
Compounds, such as cellulose, sugar, and starch, that contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are a major part of the diets of people and other animals.

Mentioned in: Laxatives

carbohydrates,
n.
, and high in calories. They make equally satisfying main courses and light snacks.

Falafel are traditionally crushed onto bread or added whole into a pocket of pita bread as a sandwich; most commonly, the term 'falafel' refers to the sandwich. Typically, the hot-off-the-fire falafel are tucked into pita bread with sauces and vegetables. These sandwiches also usually include a few Tablespoons of tahini ta·hi·ni  
n.
A thick paste made from ground sesame seeds.



[Turkish t
 (sesame seed paste) salad or a salad made from tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, hot peppers, parsley parsley, Mediterranean aromatic herb (Petroselinum crispum or Apium petroselinum) of the carrot family, cultivated since the days of the Romans for its foliage, used in cookery as a seasoning and garnish. , and fresh coriander coriander (kōr'ēăn`dər), strong-smelling Old World annual herb (Coriandrum sativum) of the family Umbelliferae (parsley family), cultivated for its fruits. . At times, hot sauce, slices of radishes and tomatoes, lettuce lettuce, annual garden plant (Lactuca sativa and varieties) of the family Asteraceae (aster family), probably native to the East Indies or Asia Minor, possibly as a derivative of the widespread weed called wild lettuce (L. scariola). L.  leaves, and pickles Pickles may refer to
  • Pickled cucumber
  • Other vegetables that have been pickled
  • Pickles (comic strip), a comic strip by Brian Crane
  • Pickles (dog), the dog that found the World Cup trophy in 1966
  • "Pickles" (
 are added to produce gourmet sandwiches. Consumed in any fashion, these ancient hamburgers epitomize vegetarian dishes.

In the Middle East, both the patties and balls are also served as hors Hurs or Hors is the Slavic god of the winter sun. The only authentic ancient sources to mention it are the Russian Primary Chronicle and the Tale of Igor's Campaign. The name is thought to have Iranian (Scythian) origin.  d'oeuvres, side dishes side dish
n.
A dish served as an accompaniment to the main course.

Noun 1. side dish - a dish that is served with, but is subordinate to, a main course
entremets, side order
, main courses, and snacks--always with a bowl of tahini sauce for dipping. During Ramadan Ramadan (rämädän`, răm'ədän`), in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which all Muslims must fast during the daylight hours. Indulgence of any sort is forbidden during the fast.  (the ninth month of the Muslim Muslim (mŭz`lĭm) [Arab.,=one who surrenders (himself to God), an agent form of the verb of which Islam is a verbal noun], one who has embraced Islam, a follower of Muhammad.  calendar), falafel are often eaten as part of the iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast after sunset.

MAKING FALAFEL

The simplest method of making falafel is to purchase a ready-made powder from a Middle Eastern market or a health foods store. The directions on the package are usually easy to follow. However, the versions prepared from the powdered mixes cannot compare with those made by cooks in their own kitchens.

When making falafel, it is very important that the ingredients be rather dry; otherwise they will break up when fried 1. (hardware) fried - Non-working due to hardware failure; burnt out. Especially used of hardware brought down by a "power glitch" (see glitch), drop-outs, a short, or some other electrical event.  or baked. After the beans See JavaBeans.  are drained, they should, along with the onions On·ions   , Charles Talbut 1873-1965.

British philologist and lexicographer who was coeditor of the Oxford English Dictionary from 1914 to 1933.
 and garlic garlic: see onion.
garlic

Bulbous perennial plant (Allium sativum) of the lily family, native to central Asia and growing wild in Italy and southern France. The bulbs are used as a flavouring.
, be dried on paper towels or in a strainer. Then, they should be ground until they become doughlike.

Although not common, falafel can be made from products other than broad beans and chickpeas then either fried or baked. When fried, falafel are delicious but not very healthful health·ful
adj.
1. Conducive to good health; salutary.

2. Healthy.



healthful·ness n.
. On the other hand, they become a healthful and wholesome whole·some  
adj. whole·som·er, whole·som·est
1. Conducive to sound health or well-being; salutary: simple, wholesome food; a wholesome climate.

2.
 vegetarian food after a stint in the oven.

When baking baking: see cooking.
baking

Process of cooking by dry heat, especially in an oven. Baked products include bread, cookies, pies, and pastries.
 falafel, add an extra teaspoon tea·spoon
n.
Abbr. tsp., tsp A measure of about 1 fluid dram or 5 milliliters.



teaspoon

a household unit of volume or capacity approximately equal to 5 milliliters.
 of baking powder to the recipe. Then, preheat pre·heat  
tr.v. pre·heat·ed, pre·heat·ing, pre·heats
To heat (an oven, for example) beforehand.



pre·heater n.
 an oven to 400 degrees, place the patties or balls in a well-greased baking pan, and bake for 30 minutes or until slightly brown.

All the following falafel recipes make approximately 50 patties that are two inches in diameter, and three patties would make a sufficient serving for a sandwich. Molds to make falafel patties are available at Middle Eastern stores, or you can form them into balls and flatten flatten - To remove structural information, especially to filter something with an implicit tree structure into a simple sequence of leaves; also tends to imply mapping to flat ASCII. "This code flattens an expression with parentheses into an equivalent canonical form."  them into patties.

The recipes will make approximately 100 falafel balls, which are smaller than the patties and are usually served as appetizers along with drinks. If serving the falafel in this form, six balls would constitute one serving.
TAHINI SALAD
(Makes twelve 4-Tablespoon servings)

Goes well with all types of falafel.

2 medium tomatoes, diced into 1/4-inch
  cubes
1 medium cucumber (approximately
6 inches), diced into 1/4-inch cubes
1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh
  coriander leaves
2 doves garlic, crushed
4 Tablespoons lemon juice
4 Tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1//2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Place tomatoes, cucumbers, scallions,
and coriander in a medium
bowl and set aside.

Place remaining ingredients in
a blender and blend for a minute.
Pour over vegetables and toss.

Serve with falafel as a salad.
If falafel are served in sandwiches,
place up to 4 Tablespoons in each
sandwich.

Total calories per serving: 38
Carbohydrates: 4 grams
Sodium: 98 milligrams
Fat: 2 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Fiber: 1 gram

BROAD BEAN FALAFEL
(Serves approximately 16)

This is the most common type of
falafel eaten throughout the world.

2 cups large dried broad (fava) beans
Water to soak beans
2 medium onions, chopped
1 small bunch parsley, finely chopped
1/2 head peeled garlic, crushed
1 small hot popper, chopped
1 cup finely chopped flesh coriander leaves
2 Tablespoons fine bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon popper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
A second teaspoon baking powder,
  if baking
Vegetable oil spray for baking or
  vegetable oil for frying

Soak broad beans in water for 24
hours. Drain and shell beans by
opening each bean's casing at the
seam. Discard casings.

Place all ingredients, except
oil, in a food processor and process
into a smooth paste. Make sure
the beans are very well ground.
Allow paste to stand for 2 hours.
Form paste into patties or, if to
be served as hors d'oeuvres, into
small balls.

If baking, preheat oven to
400 degrees. Spray a baking pan
with oil. Space the patties or balls
somewhat apart in the pan and
bake for 30 minutes or until they
turn slightly brown, turning once.

If frying, pour enough oil into
a saucepan so that the oil is 2 to
4 inches deep. Deep fry patties
or balls over medium-high heat
until they turn light golden brown,
turning them over once if needed.
Drain falafel on paper towels.

Serve falafel with Tahini Salad
as appetizers, in sandwiches, as
a side dish, or as a main course.

If recipe is baked:
Total calories per serving: 88
Carbohydrates: 15 grams
Sodium: 300 milligrams
Fat: 1 gram
Protein: 6 grams
Fiber: 3 grams

If recipe is fried:
Total calories per serving: 203
Carbohydrates: 15 grams
Sodium: 269 milligrams
Fat: 14 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fiber: 3 grams

CHICKPEA FALAFEL
(Serves approximately 16)

Next to broad beans, chickpeas are
the most often utilized ingredient
for making falafel.

2 cups dried chickpeas
Water to soak chickpeas
1 bunch scallions, chopped
2 cops finely chopped parsley
6 doves garlic, crushed
1 medium hot pepper, chopped
2 Tablespoons fine bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
A second teaspoon baking powder,
  if baking
Vegetable oil spray for baking or
  vegetable oil for frying

Soak chickpeas in water for 24
hours and drain.

Place all ingredients, except
oil, in a food processor and process
into a smooth paste. Make sure the
chickpeas are very well ground.
Allow to stand for 2 hours. Form
paste into patties or, if to be served
as hors d'oeuvres, into small balls.

If baking, preheat oven to 400
degrees. Spray a baking pan with
oil. Space the patties or balls
somewhat apart in the pan and
bake for 30 minutes or until they
turn slightly brown, turning once.

If frying, pour enough oil into
a saucepan so that the oil is 2 to
4 inches deep. Deep fry patties
or balls over medium-high heat
until they turn light golden brown,
turning them over once if needed.
Drain falafel on paper towels.

Serve falafel with Tahini Salad
(page 23) as appetizers, in sandwiches,
as a side dish, or as a main
course.

If recipe is baked:
Total calories per serving: 111
Carbohydrates: 18 grams
Sodium: 305 milligrams
Fat: 2 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fiber: 5 grams

If recipe is fried:
Total calories per serving: 226
Carbohydrates: 18 grams
Sodium: 275 milligrams
Fat: 15 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fiber: 5 grams

WHITE BEAN FALAFEL
(Serves approximately 16)

Any type of dried white beans, such
as navy beans, can be used for this
recipe.

2 cups dried white beans, any type
Water to soak beans
1 small bunch parsley, finely chopped
1 small bunch scallions, chopped
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 small hot pepper, chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh coriander
  leaves
4 Tablespoons fine bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
A second teaspoon baking powder,
  if baking
Vegetable oil spray for baking or
  vegetable oil for frying

Soak beans in water for 24 hours
and drain.

Place all ingredients, except
oil, in a food processor and process
into a smooth paste. Make sure
the beans are very well ground.
Allow to stand for 2 hours. Form
paste into patties or, if to be served
as hors d'oeuvres, into small balls.

If baking, preheat oven to 400
degrees. Spray a baking pan with
oil. Space the patties or balls
somewhat apart in the pan and
bake for 30 minutes or until they
turn slightly brown, turning once.

If frying, pour enough oil into
a saucepan so that the oil is 2 to
4 inches deep. Deep fry patties
or balls over medium-high heat
until they turn light golden brown,
turning them over once if needed.
Drain falafel on paper towels.

Serve falafel with Tahini Salad
(page 23) as appetizers, in sandwiches,
as a side dish, or as a main
course.

If recipe is baked:
Total calories per serving: 110
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Sodium: 307 milligrams
Fat: 1 gram
Protein: 6 grams
Fiber: 7 grams

If recipe is fried:
Total calories per serving: 225
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Sodium: 277 milligrams
Fat: 14 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fiber: 7 grams

SOYBEAN FALAFEL
(Serves approximately 16)

This can be a very healthy type
of falafel, if baked. Dry soybeans
are available in health foods stores.

2 cups dried soybeans
Water to soak soybeans
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cops finely chopped fresh coriander
  leaves
2 cups finely chopped parsley
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 small hot pepper, chopped
4 Tablespoons fine bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
An additional teaspoon baking powder,
  if baking
1 teaspoon baking soda
Vegetable oil spray for baking or
  vegetable oil for flying

Soak soybeans in water for 24
hours and drain.

Place all ingredients, except
oil, in a food processor and process
into a smooth paste. Make sure
the soybeans are very well ground.
Allow to stand for 2 hours. Form
paste into patties or, if to be served
as hors d'oeuvres, into small balls.

If baking, preheat oven to 400
degrees. Spray a baking pan with
oil. Space the patties or balls
somewhat apart in the pan and
bake for 30 minutes or until they
turn slightly brown, turning once.

If frying, pour enough oil into
a saucepan so that the oil is 2 to
4 inches deep. Deep fry patties
or balls over medium-high heat
until they turn light golden brown,
turning them over once if needed.
Drain falafel on paper towels.

Serve falafel with Tahini Salad
(page 23) as appetizers, in sandwiches,
as a side dish, or as a main
course.

If recipe is baked:
Total calories per serving: 123
Carbohydrates: 11 grams
Sodium: 324 milligrams
Fat: 6 grams
Protein: 9 grams
Fiber: 4 grams

If recipe is fried:
Total calories per serving: 238
Carbohydrates: 11 grams
Sodium: 293 milligrams
Fat: 19 grams
Protein: 9 grams
Fiber: 4 grams

RICE FALAFEL
(Serves approximately 16)

The cooked rice should be well
cooked it holds together better,
especially if the falafel are fried.

6 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 bunch stallions, chopped
6 cloves garlic, crushed
2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh
  coriander leaves
2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
2 Tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder,
  if baking
Vegetable oil spray for baking or
  vegetable oil for frying

Place all ingredients, except oil,
in a food processor and process
into a smooth paste. Form paste
into patties or, if to be served as
hors d'oeuvres, into small balls.

If baking, preheat oven to
400 degrees. Spray a baking pan
with oil. Space the patties or balls
somewhat apart in the pan and
bake for 30 minutes or until they
turn slightly brown.

If frying, pour enough oil into
a saucepan so that the oil is 2 to
4 inches deep. Deep fry patties
or balls over medium-high heat
until they turn light golden brown,
turning them over once if needed.
Drain falafel on paper towels.

Serve falafel with Tahini Salad
(page 23) as appetizers, in sandwiches,
as a side dish, or as a
main course.

If recipe is baked:
Total calories per serving: 96
Carbohydrates: 19 grams
Sodium: 335 milligrams
Fat: 1 gram
Protein: 2 grams
Fiber: 2 grams

If recipe is fried:
Total calories per serving: 211
Carbohydrates: 19 grams
Sodium: 305 milligrams
Fat: 14 grams
Protein: 2 grams
Fiber: 2 grams

LENTIL FALAFEL
(Serves approximately 16)

This is a tasty falafel that can rival
the classic broad bean and chickpea
varieties.

2 cups dried lentils
Water to soak lentils
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1/2 head peeled garlic, crushed
4 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh
  coriander leaves
1 medium hot pepper, chopped
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon allspice
2 Tablespoons fine bread crumbs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
A second teaspoon baking powder,
  if baking
Vegetable oil spray for baking or
  vegetable oil for frying

Soak beans in water for 24 hours
and drain.

Place all ingredients, except
oil, in a food processor and process
into a smooth paste. Make sure
the lentils are very well ground.
Allow to stand for 2 hours. Form
paste into patties or, if to be
served as hors d'oeuvres, into
small balls.

If baking, preheat oven to
400 degrees. Spray a baking pan
with oil. Space the patties or balls
somewhat apart in the pan and
bake for 30 minutes or until they
turn slightly brown, turning once.

If frying, pour enough oil into
a saucepan so that the oil is 2 to
4 inches deep. Deep fry patties
or balls over medium-high heat
until they turn light golden brown,
turning them over once if needed.
Drain falafel on paper towels.

Serve falafel with Tahini Salad
(page 23) as appetizers, in sandwiches,
as a side dish, or as a
main course.

If recipe is baked:
Total calories per serving: 96
Carbohydrates: 16 grams
Sodium: 297 milligrams
Fat: 1 gram
Protein: 7 grams
Fiber: 3 grams

If recipe is fried:
Total calories per serving: 211
Carbohydrates: 16 grams
Sodium: 266 milligrams
Fat: 14 grams
Protein: 7 grams
Fiber: 3 grams

CORN FALAFEL
(Serves approximately 16)

This type of falafel has the touch
of Mexico.

2 cops cornmeal
Water to soak cornmeal
3 medium onions, chopped
4 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh
  coriander leaves
1 cop flour
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon popper
1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
A second teaspoon baking powder,
  if baking
Vegetable oil spray for baking or
  vegetable oil for frying

Soak cornmeal in water overnight.
Press water out by hand to drain.

Place all ingredients, except
oil, in a food processor and
process into a smooth paste.
Allow to stand for 2 hours. Form
paste into patties or, if to be served
as hors d'oeuvres, into small balls.

If baking, preheat oven to 400
degrees. Spray a baking pan with
oil. Space the patties or balls
somewhat apart in the pan and
bake for 30 minutes or until they
turn slightly brown, turning once.

If frying, pour enough oil into
a saucepan so that the oil is 2 to
4 inches deep. Deep fry patties
or balls over medium-high heat
until they turn light golden brown,
turning them over once if needed.
Drain falafel on paper towels.

Serve falafel with Tahini Salad
(page 23) as appetizers, in sandwiches,
as a side dish, or as a main
course.

If recipe is baked:
Total calories per serving: 98 Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 20 grams Protein: 2 grams
Sodium: 291 milligrams Fiber: 2 grams

If recipe is fried:
Total calories per serving: 213 Fat: 14 grams
Carbohydrates: 20 grams Protein: 2 grams
Sodium: 261 milligrams Fiber: 2 grams

BULGUR FALAFEL
(Serves approximately 16)

Falafel made with bulgur is tasty,
whether eaten hot or cold.

1/2 cops medium bulgur
Warm water to soak bulgur
3 medium onions, chopped
4 doves garlic, crushed
4 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh
  coriander leaves
1 cop mashed potatoes
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder, if baking
Vegetable oil spray for baking or
  vegetable oil for frying

Soak bulgar in water for 20 minutes.
Press water out through a
strainer.

Place all ingredients, except
oil, in a food processor and process
into a smooth paste. Allow
to stand for 2 hours. Form paste
into patties or, if to be served as
hors d'oeuvres, into small balls.

If baking, preheat oven to 400
degrees. Spray a baking pan with
oil. Space the patties or balls
somewhat apart in the pan and
bake for 30 minutes or until they
turn slightly brown, turning once.

If frying, pour enough oil into
a saucepan so that the oil is 2 to
4 inches deep. Deep fry patties
or balls over medium-high heat
until they turn light golden brown,
turning them over once if needed.
Drain falafel on paper towels.

Serve falafel with Tahini Salad
(page 23) as appetizers, in sandwiches,
as a side dish, or as a main
course.

Note: If paste is a little soft, add
more flour.

If recipe is baked:
Total calories per serving: 102 Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 21 grams Protein: 3 grams
Sodium: 292 milligrams Fiber: 2 grams

If recipe is fried:
Total calories per serving: 217 Fat: 14 grams
Carbohydrates: 21 grams Protein: 3 grams
Sodium: 262 milligrams Fiber: 2 grams


Substituting Canned Beans for Dried Deans

Using dried beans is the most authentic way to make falafel. However, many cooks may wish to substitute canned beans to save time in preparing these recipes. Two cups of dried beans will yield approximately five to six cups of cooked beans. Therefore, three 15- or 16-ounce cans of cooked beans or lentils should suffice suf·fice  
v. suf·ficed, suf·fic·ing, suf·fic·es

v.intr.
1. To meet present needs or requirements; be sufficient: These rations will suffice until next week.
 for the recipes in this article.

Habeeb Salloum is a regular contributor to Vegetarian Journal and the author of Arab Cooking on a Saskatchewan Homestead Homestead.

1 City (1990 pop. 26,866), Dade co., SE Fla.; inc. 1913. A large Miami suburb with a growing Hispanic population, Homestead is a trade center for the redland district, known for its many varieties of citrus and other fruits and vegetables.
: Recipes and Recollections.
COPYRIGHT 2007 Vegetarian Resource Group
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 2007, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

 Reader Opinion

Title:

Comment:



 

Article Details
Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback
Author:Salloum, Habeeb
Publication:Vegetarian Journal
Article Type:Recipe
Date:Apr 1, 2007
Words:3285
Previous Article:Fruits and vegetables play a role in reducing gallbladder removal surgeries in women.
Next Article:Cool, crisp summer salads.(Recipe)
Topics:



Related Articles
SKEWERS WON'T BE ASKEW FOR LONG.(L.A. LIFE)
A LA CARTE : IT'S A WRAP.(L.A. LIFE)
DINING BEAT : FOR LOVE OF KIBBEH.(L.A LIFE)
GOOD TASTES.(U)
PICNIC PIZAZZ.(U)
JEWISH FESTIVALS UNITE TO MARK ANNIVERSARY EVENT CELEBRATES ISRAEL'S FOUNDING.(News)
Cafe owner asks: 'What would Mother reach for?'.(Food)
School lunches, they are a-changin'.(Note from the Coordinators)

Terms of use | Copyright © 2009 Farlex, Inc. | Feedback | For webmasters | Submit articles