Falafel - A Crispy Delight

The History of Falafel

Falafel, the beloved crispy fritter made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cuisine. Its origins are widely debated, with Egypt often credited as the birthplace of this iconic dish. Some believe falafel was first made by Copts in Egypt as a meat-free alternative during Lent, while others argue it spread across the Levant and became a staple in countries like Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.

Falafel is traditionally served in pita bread, accompanied by fresh vegetables, pickles, and tahini sauce. Over time, it has gained global popularity as a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish, celebrated for its satisfying crunch and rich, spiced flavor.

What Makes Mezeria's Falafel Unique?

At Mezeria, we take pride in offering falafel that stands out from the rest. Here's what makes our falafel special:

• Freshly Ground Chickpeas: We use only the finest chickpeas, soaked and ground fresh daily, to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.
• Perfect Spice Blend: Our secret blend of herbs and spices, including parsley, coriander, and cumin, creates a flavor profile that is both bold and balanced.
• Crispy Perfection: Our falafel is fried to golden-brown perfection, achieving a crispy exterior while remaining moist and fluffy inside.
• Creative Pairings: While we honor the traditional falafel, we also offer unique variations, such as falafel sliders with harissa mayo or falafel bowls with quinoa and roasted vegetables.
• Sustainability Focus: We source our ingredients locally and use eco-friendly practices to ensure our falafel is as kind to the planet as it is to your taste buds.

Mezeria's Falafel Recipe

Want to try making Mezeria's signature falafel at home? Here's our recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2-3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (as needed)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture: Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but holds together when pressed. If the mixture is too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
2. Shape the Falafel: Using your hands or a falafel scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties.
3. Chill: Place the falafel in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the falafel in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve: Serve the falafel warm in pita bread with tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, and pickles, or enjoy as part of a mezze platter.

Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of Mezeria's falafel in your own kitchen!

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Falafel is more than just a dish—it's a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the joy of sharing food. At Mezeria, we are proud to bring this timeless classic to your table with our unique touch.