Falafil Or Taamiyah(Lebanese; International)
Lebanese falafel, known as Taamiyah, features seasoned fava beans and chickpeas, with fresh herbs creating a flavorful, crispy snack perfect for sharing or a casual meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients very well and knead thoroughly.
- Let the mixture stand, covered, for 2.5 hours.
- Heat vegetable oil on high heat until hot.
- Add a dash of baking soda to the mixture with a tablespoon of water and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into small circles and pat with the palm of your hand.
- Fry in hot oil for 3 minutes on each side or until brown.
- Drain excess oil and serve with pita bread, chopped parsley, pickles, tahini, and chopped tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a food processor to blend the ingredients instead of mixing by hand. If you don't have fava beans, you can substitute with more chickpeas. Adding a tablespoon of baking powder can also help the falafel stay fluffy. Experiment with spices by incorporating cumin or smoked paprika for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve falafel with warm pita bread and a side of Tahini Salad for a classic combination. They also pair well with Zucchini, Tomato And Onion for a refreshing contrast. Adding pickles and chopped tomatoes on the side elevates the dish, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. For a crisper texture, you can also briefly pan-fry them again in a little oil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Falafil Or Taamiyah(Lebanese; International) contains roughly 1690 calories, with 54g protein, 303g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (319% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (263% of the Daily Value), and iron (210% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze falafel before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked falafel. Shape them and place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked from frozen; just allow a couple of extra minutes frying time.
What can I serve with falafel?
Falafel is versatile! Serve it with a variety of dips like tahini or hummus. It also complements Mediterranean recipes like Taboli or a fresh Tomato And Green Pepper Salad, adding both texture and flavor to your meal.
Are falafel gluten-free?
Yes, falafel is naturally gluten-free as it primarily consists of legumes and herbs. However, ensure that any flour used is also gluten-free if you choose to add it. Always check labels for any pre-made mixes or components to confirm.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).