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

 

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 granulated sugar

 

Pita bread
Lettuce, thinly shredded
Cucumbers, thinly sliced
Tomatoes, chopped
Onions, chopped

1. Soak the chickpeas in water overnight.
2. 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.
3. Form mixture into balls about 1-inch in diameter. Deep fry in oil until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes.
4. For Tahini Dressing: Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Serve in pita bread with the lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, onions and the Tahini Dressing.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

 

1.  

Makes about 1 cup.