FALAFEL SANDWICH

A falafel sandwich is a popular Middle Eastern street food that consists of falafel balls or patties that are stuffed into pita bread or flatbread along with vegetables and sauce. Here is a recipe for making a falafel sandwich:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas or fava beans
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4-6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying
• Pita bread or flatbread
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, tahini sauce, hummus

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried chickpeas or fava beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse the beans.
2. In a food processor, combine the soaked beans, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Process until the mixture is finely ground and forms a sticky dough. If the mixture is too wet, add a little flour until it forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Shape the dough into small balls or patties.
4. Heat a deep fryer or a large saucepan filled with oil to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place a few falafels at a time into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove the falafel from the oil with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain.
5. Warm the pita bread or flatbread in the oven or on a griddle.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the falafel inside the pita bread or flatbread and adding any desired toppings. Enjoy!