Falafel |How to make falafel from scratch

Falafel is a middle eastern snack often served with hummus.Falafel is the most common Street food available here. Falafel wrapped in pita bread makes an ideal grab on- the- go breakfast. Egyptian Falafel is made with fava beans where as in other middle eastern countries it is made with chickpeas.In fact when I landed in Qatar the first ever middle eastern food I had tasted was falafel. 

Unlike now there were no famous Indian food joints to serve authentic Indian breakfast.The only easily available breakfast in  every nook and corner of the city was falafel. In fact you can see a long queue at these shawarma shops during the morning hours as it is easy to grab and served fresh.The vegetarian alternative to the famous Shawarma(non veg)is falafel shawarma.Though falafel is easily available, making at home is always a bliss. At least you are aware of the ingredients that go in and customise it to your palette.Apart from the soaking time ,the entire process is effortless and can be done in a jiff.Crunchy on the outside and pillowy soft from inside,these are so addictive that you cannot stop with one .Falafel is best paired with Hummus.Here are two variations of hummus pair as your will.

• Hummus
• Beetroot hummus

Here is how I make it ......... 

Stepwise tutorial to make falafel

Soaking time :8 hours 
Preparation time :20 minutes
Yields:20 falafel

Ingredients

1. 2 cups - chickpeas(soaked)
2. 1/2 tsp -paprika
3. 1 tsp-coriander powder
4. 1 -clove garlic
5. 1/2 tsp cumin powder
6. 1 tsp -salt
7. 3/4- lemon
8. 1 tbsp - all purpose flour
9. 1- onion (small)
10. a pinch of baking soda
11. 1 tbsp -sesame seeds
12. Hand full of coriander or parsley 

Procedure

1.Add all the ingredients 1 - 7 to  a blender and blend coarsely with out adding water .

2.Take the mixture in bowl and add the remaining ingredients and mix it well .

3.Make balls of equal size and flatten slightly by pressing between your palms.

4. To a wok or kadhai add oil,once the oil gets heated simmer the flame to medium and slowly drop the falafel in oil .

5. Fry it until golden brown ,drain it on a tissue paper and serve with hummus,fattoush, tabbouleh or pickled vegetables.