In Middle Eastern cooking, falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter composed of ground chickpeas, broad beans, or both (particularly in Levantine and Egyptian cuisines). In modern times, falafel is commonly served in a pita, which serves as a pocket, a samoon, or is wrapped in a flatbread called a taboon; the term "falafel" is also frequently used to describe a wrapped sandwich that is made in this manner. Salads, pickled vegetables, spicy sauce, and sauces made with tahini may be added to the falafel balls as toppings. Falafel balls can also be presented as a meze plate or consumed as a snack on their own (assortment of appetizers). Imagine a ball of flavorful herbs and spices with a golden, crunchy exterior and a delectable, fluffy interior. Is it tempting enough? Even just thinking about this comforting falafel meal makes my mouth water. Its fundamental component is chickpeas (garbanzo beans), but when you season it with herbs and spices, it becomes several kinds of falafel.
Types of falafel
Traditional falafel
Chickpeas, onions, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices are the main ingredients in the traditional falafel. The hand-formed chickpea mixture balls are fried till golden brown. These are typically offered with sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
Baked herb falafel
These falafel are baked as opposed to the usual fried variety. The flavour of the chickpea mixture is significantly improved by using fresh herbs. You won't miss the crunchy coating because baking them after spraying them with olive oil makes them crispy. If you have a herb garden, use fresh scallions, garlic, parsley, and cilantro to make this falafel.
Mix vegetable falafel
To transform your falafel from a quick snack into a substantial dish, combine it with vegetables. To add flavour, add vegetables to any classic falafel recipe. Garlic, shallots, scallions, and onions all provide a tart flavour. Blend in sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and pumpkin as well for more colour, flavour, and sweetness. In addition to peas and spinach, falafel can also include dandelion greens, swiss chard, and peas.
Lebanese falafel
Chickpeas and fava beans are combined to make Lebanese-style falafel. While some Middle Eastern nations only use fava beans, many only use chickpeas. Although it employs two distinct major ingredients, it is prepared in the same manner as regular falafel. The falafel can be baked or fried, and your favourite sauces, fruits, and vegetables can be included.
Waffle falafel
Use your waffle iron for more than just buttermilk waffles if you have one. Make some falafel waffles. Any time of the day, they give you and your family a wholesome meal. Making them is quick and simple. You need only combine your falafel recipe with some water and an egg, put it in your waffle maker, and wait a few minutes before you can eat a nutritious lunch. Add hummus, diced vegetables, fruit, and your preferred sauce on top.