Falafel sandwich

Falafel is a middle eastern dish. Falafel is a deep fried patty made from chickpeas or kabulichana . They are eaten alone as a snack  or served in pita bread pockets. Falafel also refers to a sandwich in which falafel patties are placed in pita bread pocket and topped with onion, tomato and sauces.

Servings: 5

Ingredients:

Falafel

Chickpeas or kabulichana: 2 cups soaked overnight and drained

Coriander: 2 tbsp chopped

Garlic: 2 tbsp chopped

Cumin or jeera powder: 1/4 tsp

Salt: to taste

Black pepper powder: 1/4 tsp

Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped

Onion: 1 chopped

Green chili: 1 chopped

Ginger: 1 tbsp grated

Red chili flakes: 1/4 tsp

Maida: 2-3 tbsp

Baking powder: 1 /4 tsp

Oil: for deep frying

For hummus

Chickpeas : 1 cup

Sesame seeds or til: 2 tbsp

Lemon juice: 2 tbsp

Garlic: 5-6 cloves chopped

Olive oil: 1/4 cup

Salt: to taste

Cumin seeds or jeera powder: 1/4 tsp

Black pepper powder: 1/4 tsp

Chopped parsley

Other ingredients:

Tomatoes: 2 sliced

Lettuce leaves: 1/2 cup thinly sliced

Cucumber: 1 sliced

Pita bread pockets: 4

Method:

For falafel:

1. Soak kabulichana or chickpeas overnight. Drain water. Put kabulichana in a grinder and add onions, parsely, coriander, ginger, garlic and grind them to a grainy consistency.

2. Add salt, black pepper powder, red chili flakes, baking powder, maida and mix well.

3. Heat oil in a pan. Divide mixture into equal portions. Shape portions in round balls and put it hot oil. Deep fry till golden brown.

For hummus:

1. Soak chickpeas in water overnight or for 7-8 hrs. Drain water and put chickpeas in pressure cooker adding enough water. Cook chickpeas till they become soft. It takes about 45- 50 minutes. Reserve excess water.

2. Roast sesame seeds and powder them.

3. Put chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, jeera powder, black pepper powder, chopped parsely, salt, lemon juice, some reserved water and chickpeas in blender.

4. Blend them to a smooth paste.

Arranging falafel sandwich

1. Slice pita bread from half and open it like pocket.

2. Put lettuce leaves, tomatoes and cucumbers and put some hummus tahini dip.

3. Put falafel in it and apply some more hummus dip.

4. Serve and enjoy.