Falafal

Falafel is a fried ball or patty made from spiced fava beans and/or chickpeas. It is a popular form of fast food in the Arab World.Falafel is usually served in pita bread, either inside the pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flat pita. In many countries falafel is a popular street food or fast food.

I had eaten Falafel in Netherlands and felt in love with it. The balls are filled with herbs and chickpeas and gives a unique flavor to the fried balls. This recipe is very healthy as I have baked the falafel balls and served them with whole wheat pita bread and the sauce is made of non fat yogurt mixed with mint and coriander chutney.

Ingredients:

To make Falafel balls

1 1/2 cup chick peas (soaked in water overnight or a min of 4 hrs)
1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
1 medium sized onion chopped
4-6 cloves of garlic finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp wole wheat flour
1 tsp green chili paste (adjust according to taste)
Olive oil to brush the falalfel balls

To serve:
4 Whole wheat Pita bread
1 medium onion finely chopped
1 cup lettuce leaves chopped
1 cup non fat yogurt mixed with 2 spoons of mint and coriander chutney
1 cup mint and coriander chutney

Method:
In a mixer or food processor add all the ingredients to make the falafel balls. Pulse or grind the mixture well so that the chick peas are minced into a crumbly paste and all the ingredients are mixed well with each other. Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and make small golf size balls of the chick pea mixture and line them on a pre greased baking sheet. Make the remaining balls and place on the baking sheet. Once done, brush the balls with olive oil and bake them for 20 mins in a 375 degree F oven till they are golden brown in color.

To serve warm the pita bread and cut open the top of the pita bread and place 4-5 baked falafel ball in the pita bread. Place the yogurt dip, chuntey, onions and lettuce on a serving tray along side the falafel and serve. Each individual can make their own dressing by adding the serving ingredients as necessary.