Jun 11, 20202 min read

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL FALAFEL DAY TODAY JUNE 12TH

Falafel and Al Arz Tahini sauce recipe

INTERNATIONAL FALAFEL DAY

Every year on June 12th, falafel lovers come together to celebrate International Falafel Day. It’s also a day to encourage people who have never eaten falafel to give it a try.

For those who don’t know what it is, falafel is a deep-fried ball made from ground chickpeas. Falafel is sometimes also made with fava beans. Other ingredients might include onions and spices, such as cumin or coriander.

Most often served in a pita with lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce or on top of a salad, falafel is a versatile food whose flavours can be manipulated by the spices used to please every taste palate. Because falafel doesn’t contain any meat or dairy, the food is a favourite among vegetarians, vegans and gluten intolerant if eaten alone.

Even though falafel is deep-fried in oil, the food offers some health benefits. Falafel is a good source of fibre and plant-based protein. The chickpeas in the dish help to manage blood sugar levels and gluten free if eaten without bread.

How to celebrate #InternationalFalafelDay

People around the world are encouraged to eat falafel for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Restaurants that serve Middle Eastern food have falafel specials.

If you can’t find a nearby restaurant that serves real and authentic falafel, you can try to make your own or contact us on contact@bnbgourmet.com and we can gladly help with first class homemade Falafel mix.

Be sure to spread awareness for this fun food day on social media with #bnbgourmet #FalafelDay.

INGREDIENTS:

500g of dried chickpeas, soaked in water for 12 - 18 hours
6-8 cloves of garlic
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cup or one bundle with stems trimmed 1
1 cup chopped fresh coriander
1 large onion
2-3 tbsp fresh ground cumin spice
2 tbsp fresh ground coriander spice
2 1 teaspoon Salt
good quality Oil for deep frying

Wash dried chickpea a couple of times with cold water. in a large bowl soak chickpeas or 12 - 18 hours. Drain and wash soaked chickpea and put them in a food processor with the garlic, onion, parsley, coriander and spices. Grind until you get a semi fine to rough moist texture. Add a little cold water if needed. Then, move the mixture into a large bowl and putting it aside, covered, for 30-60 minutes. Warm the oil – it should be hot (175°C) . Add the baking soda to the mixture and knead a little. Use small ice cream scoop to form the falafel balls or wet your hands and shape little balls. Fry in 5 cm of oil at 175°C until golden brown.

TAHINI SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups Al Arz tahini

½ cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoons salt

¼ cup fine chopped flat-leaf parsley

Put tahini in large bowl. Add one cup water in slow stream, stirring constantly with wooden spoon or with a hand mixer. Add lemon juice and stir until sauce is smooth. Add salt. Before serving, sprinkle with parsley.

Serve Falafel hot and enjoy with or without pita!