We continue exploring the world through food and this week we have landed in Egypt, to experience its delicious Falafel.   Egypt is a country located in northeastern Africa bordered by Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, Israel and The Red Sea to the east and the Medetaranian Sea to the north. Home to the Nile River, The Great Pyramids, The Sphinx, Egypt is not only one of the oldest civilizations, but is the oldest country in the world at a staggering 5100 years old. To understand just how old Egypt is, the famous Cleopatra was ruler closer in time to the invention of the smartphone than the building of the Pyramids.  

Falafel Recipe

Falafel is a deep fried ball or patty made from chickpeas, onion, garlic and many different spices. The dish’s origin has been highly contested and claimed by many different countries although the earliest recorded recipes come from Alexandria. Served on their own, as a side dish, or stuffed inside a pita, falafel is not only diverse in uses but nutritious and delicious.  

Ingredients

• 500 grams dried chickpeas (do not use canned chickpeas)
• 1 medium onion roughly chopped
• 7-9 cloves garlic
• ¾ cup chopped parsley 
• 3 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili flakes 
• 2 tbsp ground coriander 
• 2 tbsp ground cumin 
• Vegetable oil for frying 

 

Method 

• Soak dried chickpeas in water for 18 hours or overnight
• The next day drain the chickpeas and pat dry with a towel 
• Combine the chickpeas, garlic, onion, and all herbs and spices in a food processor and blitz for about 30 seconds.
• Empty the mixture into a bowl and let rest in the fridge for at least an hour (will stay fresh for a few days)
• Form the mixture into balls or patties with your hands (add a little water to your hands in between to prevent sticking)
• Add 1-2cm vegetable oil to a large pan and bring to medium high heat.
• Fry balls or patties on each side until golden brown.
• Serve with pita bread and hummus or tahini.

 

Little Hands can 

2-4-year-olds 

• Wash parsley and remove leaves from stems 
• Pour water over chickpeas for overnight soak
• Form falafel balls or patties (under adult supervision)

  5-7-year-olds

• Wash parsley and remove leaves from stems 
• Pour water over chickpeas for overnight soak
• Form falafel balls or patties (under adult supervision)
• Peel and chop onion (under adult supervision)
• Peel garlic (under adult supervision)
• Measure spices into mix (under adult supervision)
• Blitz ingredients in food processor (under adult supervision)

  7-year-olds plus

• Wash parsley and remove leaves from stems 
• Pour water over chickpeas for overnight soak
• Form falafel balls or patties (under adult supervision)
• Peel and chop onion (under adult supervision)
• Peel garlic (under adult supervision)
• Measure spices into mix (under adult supervision)
• Blitz ingredients in food processor (under adult supervision)
• Add falafel balls or patties into frying pan (under adult supervision)

Did you try this falafel recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Interested in more recipes from us? Check out our blog and enjoy other dishes from all around the world!

Chicken Adobo From The Philippines: Delicious Recipes From Around The World!

Tiramisu From Italy: Delicious Recipes From Around The World!

Papas Chorreadas, Cheese And Tomato Sauce Smothered Potatoes From Colombia: Delicious Recipes From Around The World!