Today, I made falafel for the first time in months. I had forgotten just how good this is, and I don't want to keep my recipe to myself so I thought I'd share. I've never served this to anyone else, so I'd be interested in knowing what others think.
1 cup garbanzo beans
¼-⅜ cup water
½ cup bread crumbs
½ Tbsp dried cilantro
½ Tbsp dried parsley
2 tsp coriander seed, whole
1½ tsp cumin seed, whole
1½ tsp whole grains of paradise (black peppercorns will substitute)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp shallot powder
1 tsp sun-dried tomato powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp sesame seeds
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh spinach
Pita bread
1 cup garbanzo beans
¼-⅜ cup water
½ cup bread crumbs
½ Tbsp dried cilantro
½ Tbsp dried parsley
2 tsp coriander seed, whole
1½ tsp cumin seed, whole
1½ tsp whole grains of paradise (black peppercorns will substitute)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp shallot powder
1 tsp sun-dried tomato powder
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp sesame seeds
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Fresh spinach
Pita bread
- Rinse and sort the beans. Place in a container and cover with cold water at least 2 inches above beans. Soak overnight.
- Place one slice of bread, either fresh, dried or toasted into a food processor and pulverize into fine crumbs.
- Drain the beans, reserving at least ½ cup of the flavored water. Add to the food processor along with a ¼ cup of water. Run the processor until everything is finely ground.
- Add parsley, cilantro, paprika, turmeric, salt, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, shallot powder and tomato powder. Continue processing until everything is fully integrated.
- Place coriander, cumin, sesame seed and grains of paradise in a frying pan or skillet over medium low heat. Shake every few seconds and toast until fragrant. Add to coffee grinder and grind until you have a fine powder. If you're feeling just a bit lazy then you can skip the toasting and grinding, but spices at room temperature won't impart as much flavor.
- Add the spice mixture to the food processor, and leave on until everything is thoroughly mixed. At this point, you might have to add more water. If the mixture starts to clump up and roll around, the mixture is too dry. Add water 1 Tbsp at a time. You typically shouldn't have to add more than a couple of Tablespoons, but add as much water as you need to get everything to a firm yet pasty consistency.
- Form the mixture into approximately 2" x ⅜" patties and gently lower into a small frying pan with ½" of oil on medium high heat, or 350°. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until patties turn golden brown. Place on a warmed pita bread and mix with fresh spinach, onions and tomatoes, although plain is always a darn fine option.
