Falafel

Egypt

Also known as Ta'amiya, Felafel

About Falafel

Falafel are crispy, deep-fried balls or patties made from ground legumes mixed with herbs and spices. In Egypt, where they are called ta'amiya, they are made with dried fava beans, which give them a bright green interior.

The soaked, uncooked beans are ground with onion, garlic, parsley, coriander and cumin, shaped and fried until golden and crunchy outside and soft inside. In the Levant, falafel are usually made with chickpeas.

Falafel are thought to have originated in Egypt, possibly among Coptic Christians who ate them during Lent. They are served in pita bread with salad, pickles and tahini sauce, and are one of the most popular street foods in the Middle East.

Ingredients

• chickpeas or fava beans
• onion
• garlic
• parsley
• cumin
• coriander
• flour
• oil