Falafel with spicy tomato sauce

Falafel with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 (25-30 falafel balls)

Falafel is a savory dish, full of flavors, that has gained popularity worldwide due to its delicious taste and versatility. These crispy chickpea balls are perfect to be served as an appetizer or snack, and when combined with a spicy tomato sauce, they become a true delight.

Ingredients:
*For the falafel:*
- 250 g dried chickpeas
- 5 cloves of garlic
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- A bunch of fresh coriander
- 1 small chili pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour (chickpea flour can also be used for a gluten-free version)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 liter oil (for frying)

*For the spicy tomato sauce:*
- 2 ripe fresh tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 chili pepper

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chickpeas: Start by placing the chickpeas in a large bowl and covering them with water. Make sure the water exceeds the chickpeas by about 3 cm, as they will swell during the rehydration process. Let them soak overnight. The next morning, the chickpeas should be swollen and ready for use. Drain them well.

2. Grinding the ingredients: In a blender or food processor, add the drained chickpeas, garlic cloves, fresh parsley, fresh coriander, chili pepper, flour, baking soda, cumin, coriander seeds, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until you get a smooth paste. It is important that the mixture is well homogenized to obtain falafel balls that will fry evenly.

3. Forming the falafel: Wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking, then form balls the size of a walnut. You should get about 25-30 balls, depending on the desired sizes. Place the falafel balls on a platter.

4. Frying the falafel: In a small diameter pot (to use less oil), heat the oil until it reaches medium temperature. You can check the oil temperature by adding a small amount of dough; if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Carefully place the falafel balls to fry, 5-6 at a time, for about 2 minutes or until they are nicely browned on all sides. Use a spatula to gently turn them. Once fried, remove them to a kitchen towel to absorb the excess oil.

5. Preparing the spicy tomato sauce: While the falafel is frying, prepare the sauce. Place the 2 tomatoes, garlic cloves, and chili pepper in a blender and blend until you get a smooth puree. Transfer the mixture to a pot and bring it to a boil, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. You can adjust the spice level according to your preferences.

6. Serving: Serve the falafel balls hot, alongside the spicy tomato sauce and flatbreads. They are delicious and can be accompanied by a fresh salad or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the chickpeas are well hydrated. If you have a powerful food processor, you can also use canned chickpeas, but the texture will be different. In this case, reduce the amount of flour.
- If you prefer a fluffier falafel, you can add an egg to the mixture (this will modify the original vegan recipe).
- Check the oil before frying the balls to avoid burning yourself. You can use a cooking thermometer to ensure the temperature is between 180-190°C.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 200 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned chickpeas? Yes, but the texture will be different. Make sure to drain and dry them well before using.
- How can I make the falafel spicier? Add more chili pepper to the mixture or use hot sauces when serving.
- Is it possible to bake the falafel? Of course! Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little oil on top and bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

In the end, remember that this falafel recipe with spicy tomato sauce is not only a healthy choice but also an opportunity to enjoy pleasant moments with loved ones. Whether you choose to serve them as an appetizer on a weekend evening or in a healthy lunch, this dish will surely please everyone. Enjoy your meal!