The Best Persian Falafel Recipe: Crispy and Tasty

According to SAEDNEWS,Once you take out the crispy falafel and let it drain the extra oil, the first bite gives you a delightful crunch, followed by its smooth, tasty filling. For many Iranians, especially in the south, falafel is more than just food. This tasty vegan street food is an essential part of southern culture. Falafel connects Iran with Mediterranean countries, sharing flavors and traditions.

The History of Falafel

There is much debate about where falafel originally came from. Many countries claim it as their own and have their unique recipes. Some believe falafel started in Egypt as a meat alternative when meat was scarce. In “A History of the Mideast In the Humble Chickpea,” Kantor mentions that falafel was first made with fava beans before chickpeas became popular. As Yael Raviv points out in her article “Falafel: A National Icon,” Israel and Palestine also argue over which country can claim falafel as their national dish.

If you want to know where the name “falafel” comes from, it has roots in Iran. The Arabic word comes from "Felfel," meaning pepper, and it was originally known as "Pelpel" in Persia, showing that falafel should be a spicy dish.

Different Types of Falafel

Falafel varies across countries, especially in the Mediterranean. The shape is similar, but the ingredients differ, allowing everyone to make it their own way, using what is available in their area. Today, you can easily find all the ingredients needed to make falafel.

Egyptian Falafel:

In Egypt, falafel is called Ta’ameya and is a popular street food made from dried fava beans. To make it, soak the beans for a few hours, grind them with red onion, and add herbs like parsley and dill. Add garlic, salt, and red pepper, shape them into small balls, and fry them in hot oil. Egyptians usually enjoy Ta’ameya with onions, tomatoes, and tahini sauce in pita bread.

Palestinian Falafel:

In Palestine, falafel is loved and enjoyed on many occasions. To make Palestinian falafel, soak chickpeas overnight, then mix with potatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like cumin and coriander. The green color of this mix is lovely, and the coriander gives it a great smell.

Lebanese Falafel:

Lebanese falafel is made with a mix of fava beans and chickpeas. You blend ground fava beans with chickpeas, fresh cilantro, onions, chili, coriander, black pepper, and salt. After frying small balls, serve them in pita bread with fresh vegetables and herbs.

How to Make Persian Falafel

Now that we’ve learned about other falafel types, let’s focus on the best Persian falafel recipe! This delicious vegetarian meal is perfect for when your kids want fast food but you want to give them something healthier.

Persian Falafel Ingredients:

- 450g Chickpeas

- 3 Garlic Cloves

- 1 tsp Cumin Powder

- 1 tbsp Dried Parsley

- ½ tbsp Coriander Seeds

- 1 cup Vegetable Oil

- Chili Pepper (to taste)

- Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Soak the chickpeas in cold water overnight and change the water every 6-7 hours.

2. Use a meat grinder or food processor to make a smooth paste from the chickpeas. Add grated garlic and spices, mixing well. If the mixture seems too loose, you can add a baked potato or a tablespoon of flour.

3. Shape a spoonful of the mixture into a ball, then flatten it slightly. Wet your hands to make this easier.

4. Heat oil in a small deep pan until it's hot, then carefully fry the falafel balls for about 3 minutes until they are golden.

5. Drain the excess oil on a tissue. Use Persian flatbread to wrap the fried falafel with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and onions. Add pickles, lettuce, and some yummy sauce before wrapping it up.

How to Make a Delicious Sauce for Your Falafel

For a tasty sauce, grate two tomatoes and boil them with a little water to make a paste. Add diced chili, salt, onion powder, and lime juice to your taste. Once you're happy with the flavor, turn off the heat and enjoy your sauce!