Post by Indilwen on Mar 22, 2012 13:40:38 GMT 12
Falafel
Chick-peas, or garbanzo beans, are rumored to be the only food needed for survival on a desert island. Since most of us don’t find ourselves stranded on desert islands too often, it is nice to know that chick-peas are very healthy. Falafel is basically chick-pea balls that are traditionally deep fried, but they can also be baked with good results.
2½ C chick-peas, cooked & well drained (use can used canned chick-peas)
2 t parsley, freshly minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t salt
1/8 t cayenne pepper
½ t ginger, minced (aids in digestion)
2½ t wheat germ, panko, or corn meal
1 T flour or corn flour
1 egg, beaten (2 egg whites alone can be substituted, or ½ t cornstarch dissolved in ¼ C water)
oil for deep frying
1. Grind or mash chick-peas coarsely; do not grind to a paste.
2. Combine all the rest of the ingredients.
3. Chill the chick-pea batter at least 15-30 minutes.
4. Shape into 20 balls; flatten slightly and coat lightly with flour.
5. Fry balls in oil until crisp. Oil should be heated to at least 375 degrees. If the oil is not hot enough the balls will absorb too much oil.
6. Drain very well on absorbent paper.
Baking Option: Place balls on a generously oiled baking sheet and roll them in oil to coat all sides. Bake at 375 degrees for at least 20 minutes. Turn over at least once during baking.
Chick-peas, or garbanzo beans, are rumored to be the only food needed for survival on a desert island. Since most of us don’t find ourselves stranded on desert islands too often, it is nice to know that chick-peas are very healthy. Falafel is basically chick-pea balls that are traditionally deep fried, but they can also be baked with good results.
2½ C chick-peas, cooked & well drained (use can used canned chick-peas)
2 t parsley, freshly minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t salt
1/8 t cayenne pepper
½ t ginger, minced (aids in digestion)
2½ t wheat germ, panko, or corn meal
1 T flour or corn flour
1 egg, beaten (2 egg whites alone can be substituted, or ½ t cornstarch dissolved in ¼ C water)
oil for deep frying
1. Grind or mash chick-peas coarsely; do not grind to a paste.
2. Combine all the rest of the ingredients.
3. Chill the chick-pea batter at least 15-30 minutes.
4. Shape into 20 balls; flatten slightly and coat lightly with flour.
5. Fry balls in oil until crisp. Oil should be heated to at least 375 degrees. If the oil is not hot enough the balls will absorb too much oil.
6. Drain very well on absorbent paper.
Baking Option: Place balls on a generously oiled baking sheet and roll them in oil to coat all sides. Bake at 375 degrees for at least 20 minutes. Turn over at least once during baking.