Best Emerils Sure Fired Falafel Recipes

HOW TO MAKE FALAFEL

Steps:

• (One day in advance) Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
• Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture.
• Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.
• Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
• Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
• Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
• Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
• Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato and cucumbers. Enjoy!

EMERIL'S SURE-FIRED FALAFEL

Steps:

• Place chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with water. Let stand for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
• Place chickpeas, cilantro, spices, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, onions, garlic, and red bell pepper in a food processor or meat grinder. Sprinkle flour and baking powder over entire mixture. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Divide chickpea mixture into 16 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2-inch-thick patties or disks.
• In a large nonstick sauté pan over medium high heat, add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Slide in the patties and cook until they begin to brown, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining patties.
• Serve with pita bread, hummus and Middle Eastern condiments.