Authentic Falafels

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 pinch asafoetida powder
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Recipe

Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Ready Time: 9 hrs 40 mins


• place dried chickpeas in a bowl. fill with water to cover; stir in baking soda. soak at least 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. drain.
• place soaked and drained chickpeas in a blender or food processor; blend to a paste.
• pour water into chickpea paste and blend until smooth. scrape down sides of blender with spatula if needed.
• place sesame seeds, cumin, salt, baking powder, coriander, black pepper, red chili powder, sugar, turmeric, and asafoetida powder in blender with chickpea paste; blend until well mixed. transfer chickpea mixture to a bowl.
• chill chickpea mixture in refrigerator to allow flavors to blend, at least 1 hour and up to two days.
• pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch in a deep skillet over medium heat and heat to 370 degrees f (188 degrees c).
• scoop up chickpea mixture by heaping tablespoons and form into balls the size of ping pong balls.
• fry balls in hot oil until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes on each side.