Page 115 - The Mediterranean Refresh

Serves: 24 Are you ready to learn how to make Authentic Falafel from
portions scratch? This is a family recipe for the best authentic falafel,
made from chickpeas, fresh herbs and all the right spices.
There are so many ways to enjoy this falafel: in a sand-
wich with tahini sauce or hummus, on a platter with Medi-
terranean tomato and cucumber salad, or alongside other
dishes as a side. Experiment to find your favorite!
DINNER

Authentic Falafel

THE MEDITERRANEAN REFRESH INGREDIENTS INSTRUCTIONS

2 cups dried
A DAY AHEAD:
chickpeas (do not use
1. Combine the dried chickpeas and baking soda
canned or cooked
in a large bowl and fill with water to cover the
chickpeas)
chickpeas by at least 2 inches.
½ tsp. baking soda
2. Soak for at least 18 hours, or longer if the
1 cup fresh parsley
chickpeas are still very hard.
⅓ cup fresh cilantro
leaves WHEN READY TO MAKE THE FALAFEL:

½ cup fresh dill fronds 3. Drain the chickpeas completely and pat them
dry. Transfer to the large bowl of a food processor
1 small onion, fitted with the chopping blade.
quartered
4. Add the herbs, onions, garlic, salt, pepper,
7–8 cloves garlic,
peeled cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, if using, to
the chickpeas. Run the food processor 40 seconds
salt, to taste
at a time until the falafel mixture is well combined.
1 tbsp. ground black
pepper 5. Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and
cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or a
1 tbsp. ground cumin
maximum of 24 hours.
1 tbsp. ground
coriander WHEN READY TO COOK:
1 tsp. cayenne pepper 6. Add the baking powder and sesame seeds to
(optional) the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
1 tsp. baking powder 7. Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and
form into ½-inch-thick patties. It helps to have
2 tbsp. toasted
sesame seeds wet hands as you form the patties.

canola oil for frying 8. Fill up a medium saucepan 3 inches with
oil. Heat the oil over medium-high until it
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