How To Make Falafel Balls

Learning how to make Falafel balls can be a fun and easy cooking project for your family. Falafel balls are a middle eastern dish made of chickpeas and fava beans. Falafel does come in many forms, however, one of the most popular forms is the Falafel ball. This form of Falafel can be found through out the middle east and sold by many street vendors. Falafel balls take only a few ingredients and a little bit of preparation. Several American variations of Falafel have emerged in the past few years including a popular version designed by American chef Bobby Flay.

To make Falafel balls you will need:

• 16 oz. can of chickpeas

• 1 large chopped onion

• 2 cloves of chopped garlic

• 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley

• 1 teaspoon coriander

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 2 tablespoons flour

• Salt

• Pepper

• Oil for frying

• Food Processor or mashing tool.

Steps

1. Cook the chickpeas. Drain the can of chickpeas completely. Place the full can of chickpeas into a pot of water. Boil the chickpeas and water for five minutes then simmer for one hour. Drain the cooked chickpeas and allow the chickpeas to cool. Cooling time should be between 25 and 30 minutes.

2. Combine the ingredients to form the Falafel mixture. In a medium to large size bowl combine the chickpeas with the remaining ingredients adding the salt and pepper last. Be sure to combine the ingredients thoroughly Taste the Falafel ball mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Turn the mixture into mash. For this step you may want to use a food processor. However, you can also use your hands or a mashing tool. The goal is to get a dough like consistency from the Falafel ball ingredients. Test the mixture by taking a small amount in your hand and forming a ball. If the ball holds then the mixture is ready.

4. Roll and fry. Roll the Falafel ball mixture into medium size balls. A mixture should produce between fifteen and twenty Falafel balls. After you have rolled the Falafel balls place them in 350 degree cooking oil and allow to brown. This will take around five to seven minutes. Do not place more than four Falafel balls in the oil at a time as this reduces the heat and may cause uneven cooking.

The Falafel balls will need to be served hot as an appetizer with humus or they can be served as a main course. If you find that Falafel balls are not exactly what you want then you can always from the same Falafel ball mixture into patties and serve as a main filling for pitas.