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Falafel are deep-fried vegetarian balls made from chickpeas, beans or lentils – a popular classic of Middle Eastern cuisine and ideal finger food.
Falafel are vegetarian balls made mainly from chickpeas, beans or lentils and refined with fresh herbs such as coriander and parsley as well as a variety of spices. Popular as a snack and a main dish, they are often served with salad or used as part of wraps and sandwiches.
The main ingredient is chickpeas, an excellent source of plant-based protein and fibre. For the best consistency, dried rather than tinned chickpeas are recommended, and they must first be soaked in water for 12 hours. The mixture also contains fresh coriander, flat-leaf parsley, onions, chilli peppers, flour and baking powder for stability. Dried spices such as ground black pepper, cumin and coriander seeds provide the characteristic Middle Eastern flavour – with caraway and cumin being different spices. Raw chickpeas contain the toxin phasin, which is broken down by heat. The falafel mixture should rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Falafel can be served as balls, quenelles or patties. They are often eaten in wraps or sandwiches, combined with side dishes such as yoghurt sauce, fresh vegetables and Arabic bread. As a healthy option, they are particularly suitable for parties or picnics. They are prepared in the pan, in the oven or in the deep fryer – for the oven method, the shaped falafel are brushed with oil and baked for 2 x 15 minutes at 200 °C. Ideal patties have a diameter of about 4 cm.
Falafel originally come from the eastern Mediterranean countries and are particularly widespread in the Levant as well as in North Africa. Egypt is considered one of the possible countries of origin, and the dish is also popular in Tunisia and Morocco. Historically, the Christian Copts in Egypt used falafel as a meat substitute during Lent. In Germany, their popularity has increased sharply thanks to the trend towards vegetarian and vegan diets.
egora offers flexible catering with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Through access to more than 100 carefully selected top caterers in Berlin, high-quality falafel options can be provided for small groups as well as large events of up to 10,000 people.
