12th  June is celebrated as International Falafel Day across the world. Deep-fried and made of chickpeas or fava beans, this Middle Eastern food is often eaten wrapped up in pita bread or served with salad and sauces. This absolutely delicious snack is a favourite amongst non-vegetarians and vegetarians alike! So if you are a falafel lover, keep reading!

While we do not know exactly where and when the concept of this day originated, this popular street food of the Middle East is a favourite among foodies. So we have collected the best falafel recipe along with a bonus falafel wrap recipe here for you! Let's begin-

Falafel Balls

Ingredients-

• 425 grams soaked and then cooked chickpeas, drained
• 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 shallot, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Method-

1. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine chickpeas, garlic, shallot, parsley, cumin, coriander, and flour and season with salt and pepper. Pulse until mixture is coarse and mealy—do not over blend!
2. Form mixture into falafel balls about 2" in diameter, squeezing to compact. Transfer to chill in the refrigerator while oil heats.
3. In a pot, heat 1” vegetable oil until a drop of water added to the oil sizzles and pops.
4. Fry falafels until golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season immediately with salt.
5. Serve falafels in pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber and drizzle with either sauce.

Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt 
• 1 cup shredded or diced cucumber 
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar 
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Tbsp chopped dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method-

1. Strain yogurt using a cheesecloth or paper towel for 30 minutes to 3 hours to remove excess moisture.
2. Meanwhile, sprinkle a pinch of salt onto shredded or diced cucumber and spoon into cheesecloth or paper towels. 
3. Let sit for a few minutes then wring it out to draw out moisture.
4. Mix together yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Falafel-Hummus Wrap

This can be you healthy replacement for light snacks in the evening!

Ingredients-

• Large tortilla wraps or flatbread - 5
• Falafel - 15 balls
• Mix salad greens or lettuce - 3 cups
• Hummus - 1 cup
• Tzatziki sauce - 1 cup
• Green salad

Method-

1. Heat tortillas or flatbreads in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or warm it on a large pan on a medium heat for 1-2 minutes,
2. Spread a spoonful of hummus onto the flatbread or tortilla  , place desired amount of mix salad greens on the tortilla .
3. Lay 3-4 falafel balls, and green salad, and top generously with tzatziki sauce. Carefully, roll the stuffed tortilla.
4. Repeat the same step with the rest of the tortillas.
5. For homemade hummus recipe, click here

Now you are all set for 12th June!