Pocketful of Falafel
February 22, 2008
Dinner tonight was homemade hummus, Israeli salad, and falafel. I’ll post recipes for the hummus and salad tomorrow; the falafel was from a mix.
There are actually several falafel mixes on the market, and a couple are readily available in my supermarket. Normally I make falafel from Near East’s mix — it’s reliably good, whether you choose to fry or bake it as balls or patties.
Tonight, though, I tried Fantastic World Foods’ mix, and it was good as well (if a little less spicy). The box recommended a broiling option (form into patties, brush with olive oil and broil for 3 minutes on each side), which turned out very well and was a lot less messy than frying.
My overall favorite ready-made falafel, though, are Amnon’s Kosher Falafel Balls. They’re already formed and then frozen, so you just toss them in the oven. These are a lot less grainy than the mixes that are available, but I can only find them at my kosher butcher (and they’re not always in stock).
If you’re in the mood to make falafel from scratch (when I do, I normally buy the hummus instead of making it!), my favorite recipe is from Real Simple back in 2002: Crispy Falafel with Yogurt Dip. They are delicious, as is the yogurt dip which reminds me of an Indian raita.
Doesn’t J. make a nice hand model?
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Filed under: Things I Love,Veggie Mains
I'm Dara, the Chick in the Kitchen. Living in the suburbs of Manhattan with my two school-aged boys and husband. Feeding my family something more diverse than a different shape of pasta each night. Read more 
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7 Comments
1.
Libby | February 23, 2008 at 1:44 am
Mmmm…looks yummy. We haven’t had falafel for ages (I make the falafel and buy organic hummus). You’ve inspired me to add to this week upcoming menu plan.
Libby
2.
Jodi | February 23, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Funny, I was thinking J had rather well-groomed nails for a guy before I saw the hand model comment!:O)
3.
Jodi | February 23, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Can’t see the falafel in there… I am always confused actually, I would call a pita with stuff in it a falafel…but that isn’t exactly right is it…it is the falafel that is the falafel and then it is put into the pita with the hummus or whatever. Sort me out here Dara!:O)
Well, you’re right Jodi — you can’t actually see the falafel patties in there (they’re covered with hummus and salad). The falafel is the actual patties or balls, but since it’s usually served in the pita like we did here, that whole combo is often referred to as falafel as well. — Dara
4. Hummus « Chick in t&hellip | February 23, 2008 at 6:38 pm
[...] normally make this hummus with falafel and Israeli salad, but it’s great as a party dip, too, served with [...]
5.
Cristen | February 23, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Okay I’m totally ready to run out and buy falafel and cook it up. The problem I’d run into with this it;s going to end up being starch heavy. I may end up throwing the falafel on the side and grilling up some tofu or chicken with it.
6. Life is a Journey not a D&hellip | February 24, 2008 at 9:07 pm
[...] FRIDAY : Falafel in pita bread with hummus (inspired by Dana) [...]
7. chickinthekitchen.com &ra&hellip | March 2, 2008 at 10:42 am
[...] normally make this hummus with falafel and Israeli salad, but it’s great as a party dip, too, served with [...]
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