Falafel is  a deep-fried chickpea patty belonging to the Mid Eastern cuisine. A falafel recipe that makes use of fava beans is not entirely unknown either. The falafel is usually served wrapped in pita bread. The Iraqi flatbread, known as the lafa, is also used occasionally as a wrapping for the falafel. The falafel recipe is in high demand for mezes or the Mid Eastern feasts which usually comprise several dishes accompanied by drinks on rare occasions. Pickled vegetables and a variety of sauces serve as toppings for the falafel although it may be eaten by itself as a snack.

The falafel is believed to have originated in Egypt as a replacement for meat dishes which was eaten during Lent. Known as the ta'amiya in Cairo, the dish soon became well known all across Middle East from where it was adopted as a delectable snack food across different cultures of the world. Inexpensive and tasty, it serves as one of the most popular street foods now apart from being a desired form of meat substitute dish. The Israelis have claimed the falafel as their national dish which has resulted in a feeling of resentment throughout the Arab world who consider the falafel recipe to belong to the Arabs. It is also eaten during Iftar, the feast at sundown during the month of Ramadan, The popularity of the falafel can be gauged from the fact that McDonald’s have started serving it as McFalafel in several countries. It is a part of the gastronomic war between Israel and its Arab neighbors which has resulted in politicization of this dish. The largest ball made of chickpea mixture was created by an Israeli chef in New York which measured 3.3 feet at the circumference and weighed a whopping 10.9 kgs. The huge fritter prepared on May 2010 is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records.

History

The history of the falafel recipe is steeped in controversy with many believing it to have originated in Egypt where the Copts consumed it during the season of Lent. Some food historians also trace the falafel to the time of the Pharaohs. The port of Alexandra played a huge part in transporting the dish to various parts of the world where ground chickpeas soon replaced the more traditional fava beans. It is also eaten in Israel where the falafel is wrapped in pita bread and served with salads. The Jewish entrepreneurs popularized the dish across parts of Europe and USA in the 1970s. It is now considered to be a vegetarian replacement for making most meat based dishes with pre-packaged mixes prepared according to the traditional falafel recipe are now available in almost all grocery stores and supermarkets.

Ingredients and Preparation

The ingredients recommended by the most authentic falafel recipe usually consist of a measure of dried chickpeas or garbanzo beans. Onions and garlic are essential for making the falafel along with other spice powders like cumin and the coriander. Chopped parsley leaves are used for garnishing the dish. The process of preparing the falafel is not particularly complex. Mixing all the ingredients together with a couple of teaspoons of flour results in a thick batter which is then deep fried after being fashioned into small balls. It is usually served with hummus and tahini or wrapped up in pita bread and eaten along with lettuce and tomatoes. The Americans prefer eating it as a vegetarian burger.

Variations Of The Falafel

This crispy fried item is extremely popular around the world with each culture preparing it according to their dietary preferences.

Some of the well known variations of the falafel are found in:-

• Egypt- The recipe prevalent in this region makes use of the fava beans instead of chickpeas.

• Israel- The chickpeas are not boiled before being mixed with other ingredients.

• UAE- Wrapped in a flatbread and served with French fries.

• Lebanon- A part of meze served with the traditional salad tabbouleh.

• Syria-Accompanied by Sumac, a flowering shrub used for flavoring.

Nutritional Facts About Falafel

Falafel is an extremely nutritive dish especially when prepared with chickpeas. It is particularly high in proteins, complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. The low amount of sodium and no cholesterol property makes it an ideal food item for weight watchers if the fat content gets to be reduced by baking the falafel instead of frying it in oil. Iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium along with a host of vitamins are found in the falafel which is also a wholesome dish that can serve as the vegetarian version of hamburgers and meatballs.