Falafel is a flash fried ball or patty that is made from chickpeas or fava beans and spices. It is a vegetarian food and is one of the most common and recognized foods from the Middle East.
Falafel is very popular in the Middle East as a fast food. Vendors sell it on the street corners is most popular in countries like Israel, Egypt and Syria. It is regarded as a "fast food" and sold like hot dogs by street vendors. Falafel is also the national dish of Israel.
As a main dish, it is served as a sandwich, stuffed in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini. As an appetizer, it is served on a salad, or with hummus and tahini. Most of the time served with hot sauce. Falafel is a favorite among vegetarians. The spices are important and should be personalized to taste. This recipe is a traditional method of cooking falafel. It can be time consuming because of having to soak the beans overnight.