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A Meze falafel bowl made up of falafel/chickpea balls and fresh vegetables served on lemon yogurt served with homemade pita bread.
Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty-shaped fritter of Egyptian origin, featuring in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly Levantine cuisines, and is made from broad beans, ground chickpeas, or both.
Exploring the Meze Falafel Bowl, A Falafel Feast
In the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine lies a tradition that brings people together—Meze. This culinary practice involves a variety of small dishes designed for sharing, playing a central role in fostering community and conversation at the dinner table. Among these, the Falafel Bowl stands out as a quintessential Meze dish. Its roots are deeply embedded in the region’s history, showcasing an array of flavors and textures through simple, wholesome ingredients. The essence of Meze lies in its ability to offer something for everyone, be it, vegetarians, meat lovers, or those with a penchant for dips and salads, making it a truly versatile and inclusive culinary tradition.
Main points to remember about Meze Falafel Bowl, A Falafel Feast:
Meze Promotes Community: Through the act of sharing small dishes, Meze fosters a sense of unity and conversation.
Falafel Bowl, A Star Dish: The Falafel Bowl is emblematic of Meze, embodying the tradition’s diversity and wholesomeness.
Versatility and Inclusion: Meze caters to various dietary preferences, highlighting its adaptability and broad appeal.
Crafting the Perfect Falafel
Begin by soaking the chickpeas overnight to soften them. Next, combine these chickpeas in a blender with chopped red onion, cloves of garlic, and fresh dhania for a punch of flavor. Add a teaspoon each of cumin and paprika or chili powder to introduce warm, smoky notes. To achieve the perfect consistency, sprinkle chickpea or plain flour into the mixture, ensuring it binds well while retaining a coarse texture. The mixture should be versatile enough to form into balls without falling apart. Frying these balls on medium heat until they become golden brown will ensure a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. The finish is a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick. This meticulous process emphasizes the balance between spices and texture, guaranteeing falafels that are not only authentic but irresistibly delicious.
Building the Ultimate Meze Falafel Bowl
Start with a bed of greens, laying the foundation for what’s to come. Choose from spinach, kale, or mixed lettuce. Add dollops of hummus and tzatziki for creamy textures and a tangy taste. Next, sprinkle in your freshly made falafels. Their crispy exterior and soft interior offer a delightful contrast. Scatter sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a fresh crunch and a burst of color. Toss in olives and pickles for a salty kick, and sprinkle with feta cheese for a creamy bite. Drizzle with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing, then garnish with a handful of fresh dhania for a final touch of flavor. This Meze Falafel Bowl isn’t just food; it’s an adventure in every bite, customizable for any palate, reaffirming that healthy and delicious can indeed go hand in hand.
Savoring the Meze Falafel Bowl, A Falafel Feast
Sitting at the table, you’re surrounded by an array of colorful, fresh ingredients, each vital in crafting your Meze Falafel Bowl. This moment captures the essence of Meze—more than just food, it’s a celebration of communal joy and a symphony of flavors. Each bite marries the hearty texture of falafels with the crispness of fresh vegetables and the tang of lime juice, creating a culinary experience that transcends the ordinary.
Inviting friends and family to partake in this feast not only fills the room with laughter and conversation but also deepens bonds over shared plates. The Meze Falafel Bowl stands as a testament to the power of food to bring people together, making every meal a journey worth savoring. Embrace the spirit of Meze and let this feast be the centerpiece of your next gathering, promising a feast for the senses and the soul.
Meze Falafel Bowl, A Falafel Feast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings depending on size 1x
Description
Are you craving something fresh, flavorful, and delicious? Dive into the world of Mediterranean cuisine with this Meze Falafel dish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chickpeas (Soaked)
- 1 Red Onion (chopped)
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika/Chili Powder
- 1/2 cup Dhania/Coriander
- Salt to taste
- 2–3 Tablespoons Chickpea Flour / Plain Flour
Instructions
- Drain chickpeas and add to the blender along with onion, garlic, dhania, and spices.
- Blend till resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Place the mixture in a large bowl and sprinkle in the flour.
- You will have a mixture that is coarse but holds its shape.
- Scoop out the mixture and shape into balls.
- Fry on medium heat till golden brown.
- Serve with a squeeze of lime/ lemon juice over the falafels.
- Enjoy!!
Notes
Created, Prepared, tried, and tested by Rochelle from The Recipe Hunter: Tried and Tested Recipes from Home Chefs and SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 Falafel balls
- Calories: 107
- Sugar: 1.3 g
- Sodium: 387.5 mg
- Fat: 2.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.2 g
- Fiber: 5.1 g
- Protein: 5.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Yes, we have more Falafel recipes for you to try out.
We shared this with Sweet Tea & Friends February Link-Up | Oops-a-Daisy! When God Laughs with Us About Our Mix-Ups; The Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop; Craftastic Monday Link Party, Metamorphosis Monday; County Road 407: Farmhouse Friday 334
Featured by You’re the STAR – Week#1 GARDEN (March 2024)
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I love Mediterranean and Middle eastern food. This mezze bowl looks awesome.
Thank you so much Balvinder for dropping in and hope you will have a moment to try this and above all enjoy it. Happy new week to you.
Esme, this recipe sounds amazing. I haven’t enjoyed falafel in a while. This is on my list to make soon. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipe with us at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party #23.
Enjoy making and eating these falafels. Have fun
Esme, congratulations, this will be a featured post at The Crazy Little Lovebirds link party tomorrow! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe with us.
WOW, thanks for the honor and letting me know, I will for sure be visiting you tomorrow. Have a great day Stephanie
I love Mediterranean food, and this looks divine! Thanks for sharing this post at the Will Blog for Comments #24 linkup!
Thank you for visiting and hope you will have a go at these Falafels. Enjoy.
Yum! We eat a fair bit of this sort of thing!
Hi Lydia, thanks for popping in and yes these falafels are awesome. Hope you enjoy these as well.
Thank you for sharing this recipe, Esme. Best wishes.
Morning Terri. Thanks for dropping in here and hope you enjoy the Falafels.