A Middle Eastern specialty made with highly
seasoned ground chick peas, formed into balls and deep-fried.
Usually served tucked inside pita bread, sandwich-style, they
can also be served as appetizers.
Falafel with Tahini Dressing
2 cups dried chickpeas
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Oil, for deep-frying
Pita bread
Run chickpeas through food processor.
Blend in yellow onion, garlic, sesame seeds parsley, salt, cumin,
baking powder, coriander, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, and
let stand for 1 hour.
Form mixture into balls about 1-inch in
diameter. Deep fry in oil until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Serve in a pita bread and fill with lettuce,
cucumber, tomatoes, and onions.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Tahini Dressing
1/3 cup well-stirred tahini (Middle Eastern
sesame paste)
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Place all ingredients in a blender and
blend until smooth.
