Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)

Falafel, or ta'ameya as we call it in Egypt, is an all-time favorite street food. In most parts of the Middle East, falafel is made with ground chickpeas. However, in Egypt, we make it with dried fava beans. They are best served with pita bread, tomato, onions, and tahini sauce.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 8 mins
• Total Time: 28 mins
• Calories: 234 Calories

Ingredients

• vegetable oil for frying
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• 2 cups dried split fava beans
• ½ cup fresh dill
• 1 cup sesame seeds (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place fava beans in large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let soak, 8 hours to overnight. Drain.

Step 2

Combine soaked fava beans, red onion, parsley, cilantro, dill, garlic, coriander, salt, and cumin in a food processor; process to a dough-like consistency.

Step 3

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds; cook, stirring occasionally, until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large plate.

Step 4

Shape fava bean mixture into balls. Roll in sesame seeds to coat.

Step 5

Fill a large saucepan 1/4 full with oil; heat over medium heat. Fry fava bean balls in batches until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.