Mom's Recipies

Falafel is very popular in the Middle Eastern fast food. It can be served as a main dish , a sandwich stuffed in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. It can also be served as an appetizer on a salad, or with hummus and tahini. Falafel is high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and fiber.Falafel is hearty enough to replace hamburger patties and meatballs in vegetarian dishes.

Ingredients:

* 1 cup dried chickpeas or 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
* 1-2 Green Chillies
* 3 tbsp of fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tsp coriander powder
* 1 tsp cumin powder
* 2 tbsp flour
* Salt to taste
* Pepper to taste
* Oil for deep frying




Method:-

1) Wash and soak chickpeas in water overnight. Omit this step if using canned beans.

2) Drain chickpeas next morning and put them in pressure cooker and cook with water for 3-4 whistles.Cool for 15 minutes then remove the lid and drain them.OR Drain chickpeas, and place in pan with fresh water, and bring to a boil.Allow to boil for 5 minutes, then let simmer on low for about an hour.Drain and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

3) Combine boiled chickpeas, garlic, green chilli ,onion, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt and pepper (to taste) in food processor or blender. You want the result to be a thick paste.Don't add water while grinding.Take the grinded mixture in a bowl .Then add flour.Mix well.



4) Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.

5) Deep Fry in 2 inches of oil until golden brown .It will take about 5 minutes.

Serve hot with hummus.

Recipe Source :- About.com


Falafel can be served as an appetizer with hummus and tahini, It can be served as main course , stuff pita bread with falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, tahini . As an alternative, falafel can be formed into patties and served like a burger.

Hummus is one of the more popular Middle Eastern dips. This home made hummus is is high in iron and vitamin C .It can be served with fresh or toasted pita bread or other bread .Hummus can be served as dip with snack or appetizer. Tahini is an important part of the hummus recipe and cannot be substituted. However, it can be omitted.Hummus freezes well for up to 6 months ,so you can always have it on hand. Kids also love this savory spread .

Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

    1 15 oz ( 470 gm ) can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans or 1 cup dried chick peas
    2 tablespoons olive oil ,plus more as needed
    2 cloves garlic, crushed
    1 lemon juice (depending on taste)
    1 1/2 tablespoons( 1/3 cup /100 gm ) tahini
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (Optional)
   
Method:-

1) Place dried chickpeas in a bowl, covering with cold water. Allow to soak overnight. Omit this step if using canned beans.

2) Drain chickpeas and set aside liquid from can.

3) In a blender or food processor, combine the chickpeas and 1 /4 cup of water or  .Puree until smooth.

4) Then add remaining ingredients in blender olive oil ,garlic, tahini ,salt.Cut the lemon in half and add the juice from one half.Blend for 3-5 minutes on low until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Taste and adjust the flavor and consistency with more lemon juice and olive oil.

5) Transfer into serving bowl, and create a shallow well in the center of the hummus.

6) Add a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) of olive oil in the well. Garnish with chopped parsley (optional).

Serve immediately with fresh, warm or toasted pita bread ,Falafel .

Variations :-

For a spicier hummus, add a sliced red chilli or a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika.

Storing Hummus:-

To store, refrigerate in an air tight container for upto 1 week .
If you want to store up to 6 months then spoon into ice cube trays or other freezer containers and freeze covered. Add a little olive oil if it appears to be too dry.