Homemade Falafel (Tamia) – The Best Crispy Recipe

Falafel (Tamia) is one of the most beloved dishes in Sudan and is famous across the Arab world. It is known for being quick and easy to prepare while offering a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients Needed

Falafel Mixture

• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1 medium-sized onion (chopped)
• 5 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Fresh parsley (washed and chopped)
• Fresh coriander (washed and chopped)
• Dill (washed and chopped)
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 1/2 cups cooking oil (for frying)

Dressing

• White onion
• Carrot
• Tomato
• Lettuce
• Parsley
• Cucumber
• White cheese
• Olive oil
• Ketchup (optional)
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Tahini sauce (optional)
• Chili peppers (optional for spice lovers)

Recipe Instructions

1. Wash one cup of chickpeas and soak them in two cups of water overnight. Strain and place them in a pan with two cups of water. Cook on medium heat for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside in a glass bowl.

2. In a blender, add the boiled chickpeas, chopped onion, parsley, dill, fresh coriander, and chopped garlic. Blend while gradually adding 1/4 cup of olive oil until the mixture reaches a rough consistency.

3. Transfer the mixture into a bowl. Add cumin, coriander powder, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and sesame seeds. Mix well with clean hands.

4. Heat a frying pan with 1 1/2 cups of cooking oil on medium heat.

5. Wet a spoon with water and shape the mixture into small circles. If using a falafel mold, ensure it is wet before shaping. Fry until golden brown, then set aside.

6. For the dressing, wash and finely chop white onion, carrot, tomato, lettuce, parsley, and cucumber. Mix them in a bowl with white cheese and olive oil. Optionally, add ketchup, mayonnaise, and tahini sauce for extra flavor.

The History of Falafel

Falafel is also known in Sudan and other regions as a deep-fried ball or patty. It has Egyptian roots and later spread across the Middle East and the Levant, where chickpeas became the primary ingredient instead of fava beans.

Falafel has gained international popularity, celebrated as a vegetarian and vegan-friendly dish. The word "falafel" may derive from the Arabic term "فلافل" (falafel), the plural of "فلفل" (filfil), meaning "pepper." In Egypt, it is called "ta'amiya," derived from "طَعام" (ta'am), meaning "food."

Now, enjoy your homemade falafel with a side of fresh salad and dressing!