Falafel

For a self confessed Falafel lover, this post was long due.There is simply something extraordinarily amazing about this dish - so basic and simple. The making of Falafel cant get any easier, any addition or variation only ends up making it more and more likable. Falafel made only with chickpeas are the highlights when it comes to Middle East while the one made exclusively with Fava beans are favourites for Egyptions ( where it is was originated ).It can also be made with both the ingredients and that is my choice too.



Fresh Fava Beans are so good not only for their taste but also for the amount of Protein and fibre. And this is in addition to the loads of Vitamin C, iron , thiamine and so on and so forth. Chickpeas are also nutrition rich and I like to add these two wealthy ingredients for my falafel. The essence of making Falafel is that the beans used are not cooked. They are simply soaked and then ground to a paste and deep fried. This process helps to retain a lot more nutrients than usual. Further fresh fava beans can be eaten raw. I found some fresh fava beans the other day and knew that I had to make this fav.


Ingredients
1 1/2 cup fresh fava beans, shelled
1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked for at least 6-8 hrs
1 onion
2-3 cloves of garlic
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp lemon zest
few springs of cilantro and 4-5 leaves of mint
2-3 green chillies ( or as per taste)
salt and pepper
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Method

1.Drain the soaked chickpeas and the shelled fava beans and grind them into a paste along with onions, garlic, herbs and the seasoning.Dont add water and it will be a coarse paste. If needed add some flour to the mixture to thicken up the mixture.



2. Then add the sesame seeds and give it a stir.



3. Make small balls of the mixture and then deep fry in medium heat. The same can be baked/shallow fried.



Baking takes approx - depending on you oven - about 20min each side in 350F oven.Grease the Pan with olive oil and then place the patties on it and drizzle some olive on top. After it gets browned, turn it the other side.



4. I served these goodies with some nice creamy n minty Yogurt sauce.