Falafel

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup dried chickpeas or 16 oz. can of chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons flour
Salt
Pepper
Oil for frying

DIRECTIONS:
1.Place dried chickpeas in a bowl, covering with cold water. Allow to soak overnight. Omit this step if using canned beans.

2. Drain chickpeas, and place in pan with fresh water, and bring to a boil.

3. Allow to boil for 5 minutes, then let simmer on low for about an hour.

4. Drain and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

5.Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper (to taste) in medium bowl. Add flour.

6. Mash chickpeas, ensuring to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste.

7. Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Slightly flatten.

8. Fry in 2 inches of vegetable oil at 350 degrees until golden brown (5-7 minutes).

Source: About Middle Eastern Food

AMENDMENTS: Firstly, I like that the chickpeas make a popping sound when cooked. Secondly, this recipe was slightly dry and so you should serve these with tomatoes and humus or tahini to get a balance.