Falafel

 Just because I'm a vegetarian dose not mean that I don't like "meatballs". Of course I do! Only mine are meatless. Falafels are easy to make, and very tasty. I usually serve these with fresh made salsa and pita.

Ingredients:

2 cups of dried chickpeas

1 small onion 

2 garlic gloves minced

5 tbsp of fresh parsley ( or 3 tsp dry)

2 tsp ground cumin 

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp of water

oil for deep frying

Soak the chickpeas in 1 liter of water for at least 4 hours or  overnight.

Drain and place in a food processor.

Process for 30 to 40 seconds or until finely ground. Add the onion, parsley, garlic,cumin, baking powder and 1 tbsp of water. Process for another 10 seconds to make a rough paste.

Using your hands, shape heaped tbsp of the falafel mixture into balls. If there is any excess liquid squeeze it out.

Into a heavy-based pan pour oil about third full. Heat the oil. Lower the falafel balls into the oil and cook in batches for about 3 minutes, until brown all over.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Enjoy!