Falafel | Fried and Baked Chickpea Balls

Ingredients:

• Chickpeas - 1 cup
• Garlic cloves, minced - 4 or 5 nos
• Onion, chopped - 1 nos 
• Pepper powder - 1/2 tbsp
• Cumin powder - 1 tbsp
• Red Chilli powder - 1 tbsp
• Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
• Baking powder - 1 tbso
• All purpose flour - 4 tbsp
• Cilantro - 2 big handfuls of fresh leaves
• Salt as needed
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Preparation:-

• Soak chickpeas overnight. After chickpeas are soaked, drain well, Set aside.

• Chop onion with the food processor.

• Then add chickpeas, garlic, pepper powder, cumin powder, red chilli powder, baking powder, all purpose flour, lemon juice,cilantro and salt in a food processor. 

     

• Pulse for 30-40 seconds until it reaches a coarse texture. No water is added. 

•  Transfer the mixture to a large bowl .Cover and leave it in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

• Take small portions and make a balls. Set aside. 

Deep - Fried Chickpea Balls:-

• Heat oil in a sauce pan/Wok.
• Drop the balls into hot oil and fry the falafels until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side.   

• When falafels are done, transfer to paper-towel-lined plate to drain.  Serve hot.

Baked Chickpeas Balls:-

• Preheat the oven to 375°F: Brush or rub a baking sheet with a thin layer of olive oil.

• Place the chickpea balls on a greased baking tray and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on both sides. 
• Serve hot with Tahini sauce, hummus, Yogurt etc.