How to Make Falafels

In this article you will learn how to make delicious falafel, a Middle Eastern favorite.

Things You'll Need

• Falafel mix
• Eggs
• Oil
• Stove and pan

Instructions

1. Falafel is a delicious Middle Eastern favorite made from chickpeas and spices. It is formed into little patties and fried. Served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tahini or yogurt sauce. It makes an excellent meal any time of the day and is very filling. In the Middle East, they eat it for breakfast because it stays with you a long time.

2. Falafel is one of those dishes that must be prepared right or it can turn out really unappetizing. The key to great falafel is making it moist and fluffy instead of having hockey pucks after cooking it. Falafel mix is made up of dried chickpea powder and spices. It can be made from scratch but is quit a process. You can pick up a box of dry mix at almost any grocery store but for the best mix, visit a Middle Eastern market and always buy the dry mix. You will add water and an egg to the mix. The secret is the egg; most mixes do not call for it. Whip it together the mix, egg and water with a fork until it is pasty. You do not want a wet or runny mix because it will not cook right. Put it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

3. When you are ready to cook, take a frying pan with vegetable oil about 1/4 inch in the bottom of the pan. Heat oil on medium heat and wait until the oil is hot. Check the mix when you take it out of the refrigerator; if it is too dry then add a little water and mix with a fork. Form little balls in your hand and smash them into thin patties, then place them into the hot oil. Cook about 2 minutes on each side untill sides are golden brown. Place onto paper towel to absorb oil and serve hot. They will be crisp on the outside and moist on the inside.

4. Falafel is delicious in pita bread with cheddar cheese, tomato, onion, cucumber, lettuce and whatever other vegetables you like. Then drizzle with a tahini sauce, your favorite salad dressing, or plain yogurt. It is great for vegetarians and meat eaters both.

Tips & Warnings

• You can pick up a tahini or yogurt sauce at any Middle Eastern market as well.

• Make sure to lower the heat once you start frying to cook them all the way through without burning the outside.