How to Make an Israeli Falafel Sandwich

Falafel, made up of crushed chickpeas and spices, is one of the most delicious cuisines to come out of the Middle East. You don't have to go out for the fried sandwiches, though, because you can make your own falafel at home.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup of sunflower oil
• Frying basket
• Deep pot
• Falafel mix
• As many Pita bread pockets as you want
• 2 medium cucumbers
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 box of Hummus
• 1 box of tahini
• 1 bag of frozen french fries
• 1 can of sour pickles, sliced

Instructions

1. Start boiling sunflower oil in a pot and set a frying basket inside of it.

2. Combine falafel mix with water as instructed on the package. Form thick balls and drop into the basket and fry in oil until they are hardened, but not burned. This should take a couple of minutes--they cook fast!

3. Fry a batch of french fries in the oil as well. This should take about 5 minutes at the most, depending on how many you're making. You'll know they're ready when they turn a golden brown, but don't burn them. If you want them soggier, keep them in for less time.

4. Cut the pita bread into halves so that pockets are formed. Store-bought pita bread is often hard, so you may want to microwave it for a few seconds to soften it. Warmed pita bread is delicious.

5. Stuff the pockets of the pita bread with two or three falafel balls, french fries, pickle slices and tomatoes and cucumbers, finely chopped into squares.

6. Slather some hummus and tahini inside and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• You can find falafel mix in most large chain or Middle Eastern ethnic supermarkets.

• If you have leftover pita pockets, freeze them for next time (although fresh pita bread is far better) or simply break off pieces and dunk in the hummus or tahini, or both! Delicious.

• Do not overstuff your pita pocket, or the sandwich will explode after you take one bite out of it!

• Be careful not to burn your falafel balls, or yourself--boiling oil can splash!

• Falafel balls do not freeze well.