Falafel

Falafel is a beloved street food staple across the Middle East, and for good reason. These crispy, golden-brown fritters are made from ground chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, and a blend of aromatic spices. When fried, they become wonderfully crunchy on the outside while remaining soft, fluffy, and vibrant green on the inside. This recipe uses dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight, which is the secret to achieving the perfect texture—canned chickpeas will result in a mushy falafel. Served hot in a warm pita pocket with fresh salad and a generous drizzle of creamy tahini sauce, falafel is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal.