Smoked falafel: a delicious twist on a middle eastern classic

If you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, chances are you've indulged in the delightfully crispy and flavorful falafels. These deep-fried balls, traditionally made from chickpeas or fava beans, are a staple in many dishes and are loved by vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians alike. But have you ever tried smoked falafel?

The Origins and Types of Falafel

Falafel is believed to have originated in the Middle East, with Lebanon being its most popular birthplace. Over the years, it has spread across the globe and gained immense popularity. Traditionally, falafel is made by combining chickpeas, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices, and then deep-frying the mixture to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

There are three main types of falafel:

• Traditional Falafel: This is the classic version that most people are familiar with. It consists of a mix of chickpeas, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices, deep-fried to perfection.
• Baked Falafel: For a healthier twist, baked falafel is made using fresh herbs in the chickpea mixture. By spraying them with olive oil before baking, you can achieve a crispy texture without the added oil from deep-frying.
• Lemon Falafel: Lemon falafel adds a tangy twist to the traditional recipe by incorporating yellow peas into the mixture. Lemon juice, zest, and mayonnaise are added to enhance the flavor, along with other popular additions like hickory wood liquid smoke and spice mix.

Healthier Options for Falafel Lovers

While traditional falafels are deep-fried, there are healthier options available for those who are conscious of their dietary choices. Instead of deep-frying, you can choose to air fry or bake your falafel. Adding ingredients like quinoa, khus khus, beetroot, or green peas to the chickpea mixture can also increase the nutritional value of the falafel.

For a healthier serving suggestion, consider using multigrain pita or alternative bread options like rye or millet. Complement your falafel with a variety of pickled vegetables to add a burst of flavor and additional nutrients.

Smoking Falafel for an Irresistible Flavor

If you're looking to take your falafel game to the next level, consider smoking your falafel for a unique and irresistible flavor. By using a smoker or a charcoal grill, you can infuse your falafel with the rich, smoky taste that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

To smoke your falafel, simply prepare the falafel mixture as usual and shape it into balls or patties. Place the falafel on a tray or mesh rack and set it on top of the smoker or grill. Allow the falafel to smoke for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have absorbed the smoky flavor.

The smoked falafel can be served in the same way as traditional falafel, either inside a pita, wrap, or flatbread, or as part of a mezze platter. The smoky flavor adds a depth of taste that perfectly complements the herbs and spices in the falafel mixture.

How to Make Smoked Falafel at Home

Here's a simple recipe to make smoked falafel at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1/2 cup onion, roughly chopped
• 1 cup parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 cup coriander, roughly chopped
• 1 small green chili
• 3 big garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp chickpea flour
• 1 tsp cumin (slightly roasted)
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Soak the chickpeas overnight in water.
2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and add them to a food processor, along with onion, parsley, coriander, chili, garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until well combined.
3. Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and add the chickpea flour and baking soda. Stir the mixture to incorporate the ingredients and cover it with a lid. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to one hour to allow it to firm up.
4. Using your hands, shape the falafel mixture into balls or patties. If the mixture is too wet, add another tablespoon of chickpea flour.
5. Preheat your smoker or charcoal grill to a medium heat. Place the falafel on a tray or mesh rack and place it on top of the smoker or grill.
6. Allow the falafel to smoke for 20-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have absorbed the smoky flavor.
7. Serve the smoked falafel with your choice of dip, such as hummus, garlic mayonnaise, or labneh.

Now you can enjoy the unique and delicious taste of smoked falafel in the comfort of your own home!

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?

A: It is recommended to use dried chickpeas for the best texture and flavor. Canned chickpeas may be too soft and can affect the consistency of the falafel mixture.

Q: Can I freeze the falafel mixture?

A: Yes, you can freeze the falafel mixture for later use. Simply shape the mixture into balls or patties, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the falafel to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, thaw the falafel in the refrigerator and follow the cooking instructions.

Q: Can I use a different type of bean instead of chickpeas?

A: Chickpeas are traditionally used in falafel, but you can experiment with other types of beans, such as fava beans or a combination of different beans, to create your own unique falafel recipe.

In Conclusion

Smoked falafel offers a delightful twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish. By infusing the falafel with a smoky flavor, you can elevate the taste and create a truly memorable culinary experience. Whether you choose to smoke your falafel or stick to the traditional deep-fried version, this versatile and delicious dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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