Authentic Falafel

Recipe from The Mediterranean Dish

INGREDIENTS

2 cups dried chickpeas (NOT canned or cooked)
½ tsp baking soda

1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed
½ cup fresh dill, stems removed
1 small onion, quartered
7-8 garlic cloves, peeled
Salt to taste
1 tbsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp baking powder
Oil for frying

DIRECTIONS

• Day before: Put chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with 2” of water. Add baking soda, stir, and soak for at least 18 hours. When chickpeas have doubled in size, drain and pat dry.

• Put all ingredients (except baking powder) in food processor and blend until well combined.

• Transfer mixture to a container, cover, and let flavors meld at least 1 hour.

• When ready to cook, stir in baking powder and heat oil to 350º

• Roll mixture into golf ball sized spheres and fry for 3–5 min., until crispy and medium brown on outside.

• Remove and drain on rack.

• Serve with tahini, tomato, cucumber, and chopped red onion.