- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
- Tahini sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup of tahini, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon of honey, and salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, breadcrumbs, chopped herbs, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until a smooth paste forms.
2. Form small balls of the mixture and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
3. Heat enough olive oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to reach a temperature of about 350°F.
4. Once the oil is hot, carefully lower each falafel ball into the oil and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
5. While the falafels are cooking, whisk together the tahini sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Serve the falafels hot with the tahini sauce drizzled over the top.
Tips:
- For extra flavor and texture, consider adding some diced vegetables to the falafel mixture such as carrots or onions.
- You can also use coriander instead of parsley or cilantro for a different taste.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
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Steps
Falafel Golden Domes with Tahini Sauce
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity worldwide due to its crispy exterior and soft interior. In this recipe, we will show you how to make falafel golden domes with tahini sauce. Here are the steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Tahini sauce: 2 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, salt, and water to thin
Instructions:
1. Soak dried chickpeas in cold water for at least 8 hours or overnight to soften them. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
4. Add soaked chickpeas to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. The chickpeas should be heated through and slightly browned.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool down a bit. Once it’s cool enough to handle, transfer the mixture to a food processor.
6. Add ground cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) to the food processor. Pulse until everything is well combined.
7. If the mixture is too thick or dry, add some water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a smooth consistency.
8. Take a small amount of the mixture and shape into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the falafel for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. You can check if they are done by pressing on them gently with your finger; they should be firm and slightly spongy.
11. While the falafel is baking, prepare tahini sauce by blending tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water in a blender until smooth. You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less water.
12. Once the falafel is done, let it cool down for a few minutes before serving. Serve with tahini sauce on top and enjoy!
Tips:
- For crispier falafel, you can fry them in hot oil instead of baking them.
- You can also add other ingredients to the falafel mixture like carrots, potatoes, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Don’t skip on soaking the chickpeas; it will make them soft and easier to process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make falafel ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the falafel mixture a few days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before baking or frying.
Q: Do I need to peel the chickpeas?
A: No, you don’t need to peel the chickpeas for this recipe. The skin will add some texture and flavor to the falafel.
Q: Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?
A: Yes, you can use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones. Just make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using in the recipe.