Popular Dubai Street food

 

What is falafel ?

Falafel in Dubai is a popular street food made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, then deep-fried into balls or patties. It's a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine and widely enjoyed in the region. In Dubai, falafel is often served in pita bread or flatbread, accompanied by fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, and topped with tahini sauce, hummus, or pickles. The city's diverse culinary scene has led to various adaptations, sometimes incorporating unique local flavors or serving styles, making falafel a versatile and beloved dish in Dubai.

History of falafel

Falafel, a beloved Middle Eastern dish, has a rich and somewhat debated history. Its origins are not definitively known, but it is widely believed to have originated in Egypt. One popular theory suggests that falafel was first made by Coptic Christians as a meat substitute during Lent. These early versions of falafel were likely made with fava beans, which are still used in traditional Egyptian recipes today.

From Egypt, falafel spread throughout the Middle East, adapting to local tastes and ingredients along the way. In the Levant, particularly in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel, chickpeas replaced fava beans as the main ingredient, resulting in the more commonly known version of falafel today. This chickpea-based variant is also popular in Palestine, where it is often considered a national dish.

The spread of falafel to different regions was facilitated by trade routes and migrations. Jewish immigrants from Yemen brought falafel to Israel in the early 20th century, where it quickly became a popular street food. In Israel, falafel is often served in pita bread with a variety of salads, pickles, and tahini sauce, making it a staple of Israeli cuisine.

Falafel's rise to global popularity began in the mid-20th century, coinciding with increased international travel and the global spread of Middle Eastern diasporas. Today, falafel can be found in almost every major city around the world, often as a vegetarian or vegan option in diverse culinary contexts.

In contemporary times, falafel has also seen numerous adaptations and variations. In some places, it is flavored with ingredients like cilantro, parsley, garlic, and spices such as cumin and coriander. It is enjoyed not only as a traditional dish but also as a modern fast-food item, reflecting its versatility and enduring appeal across different cultures and cuisines.

How to cook falafel ?

To cook falafel, you will need the following ingredients: 

1 cup dried chickpeas, 1 small onion (chopped), 2-3 garlic cloves (minced), 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, salt and pepper to taste, and oil for frying.

Soak Chickpeas: Begin by rinsing the dried chickpeas and soaking them in a large bowl of water for at least 12 hours or overnight. Ensure they are fully submerged and the water level is a couple of inches above the chickpeas. Drain and rinse them well before use.

Prepare Mixture: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse the ingredients until a coarse paste forms. Be careful not to over-process; the mixture should have a gritty texture and not be completely smooth. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it's too dry, add a little water; if too wet, add a bit of flour.

Chill the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the mixture hold together better during frying.

Shape Falafel: Using wet hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a walnut (approximately 2 tablespoons each).

Fry Falafel: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil to submerge the falafel balls. Fry the falafel in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve: Serve the hot falafel in pita bread or flatbread, along with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and sauces such as tahini, hummus, or pickles.

For a healthier alternative, you can bake the falafel. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the falafel patties on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are33 golden brown and crispy. Enjoy your homemade falafel!

Is it healthy falafel ?

Falafel can be a healthy option, depending on how it's prepared and consumed. Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients:

Chickpeas: High in protein, fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals (iron, magnesium, and phosphorus).

Herbs and Spices: Parsley, cilantro, garlic, and onions add vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.

2.Protein and Fiber:

Provides a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and help maintain a feeling of fullness.

3.Vegan

Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences.

Considerations

Frying

Traditional falafel is deep-fried, which increases the calorie and fat content. Frequent consumption of fried foods can lead to weight gain and negatively impact heart health.

Serving Style:

Serving falafel in pita bread with lots of fresh vegetables and moderate amounts of healthy sauces (like tahini) can enhance its nutritional profile.Be mindful of the portions and the overall balance of your meal to keep it healthy.

Healthier Alternatives:

1Baking:Baking falafel instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content while retaining its flavor and texture. Simply bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

2.Air Frying:An air fryer can also achieve a crispy texture with minimal oil, making it a healthier option.

Conclusion:

Falafel can be a healthy food choice when made with quality ingredients and cooked using healthier methods like baking or air frying. Pairing it with fresh vegetables and whole grains further enhances its nutritional value. Moderation and balance are key to incorporating falafel into a healthy diet.

Here are some tips for making delicious falafel:

Preparation Tips:

1. Use Dried Chickpeas:Always use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight. Canned chickpeas will not yield the right texture and can make the mixture too wet.

2. Proper Soaking:Soak the chickpeas for at least 12 hours. They should be plump and easily crushed between your fingers. Rinse and drain them well before use.

3. Texture Matters:Aim for a coarse, gritty texture in the food processor. Over-processing can make the mixture too smooth and difficult to shape.

4. Resting the Mixture:Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps bind the ingredients together and makes shaping easier.

Flavor Enhancements:

1.Fresh Herbs:Use fresh parsley and cilantro for the best flavor. These herbs add freshness and a vibrant taste to the falafel.

2. Spices:Don’t skimp on spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, and onion. These are essential for authentic falafel flavor.

3. Adjust Seasoning:Taste the mixture before forming the falafel balls. Adjust salt and spices as needed.

Cooking Tips:

1.Consistent Size:Shape the falafel into evenly sized balls or patties to ensure they cook evenly. Wet your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.

2. Frying:If frying, make sure the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C) but not smoking. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.

3.Baking:For a healthier option, bake the falafel on a lightly oiled baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Air Frying:Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Serving Tips:

1Serve Fresh:Serve falafel hot and fresh for the best texture and flavor.

2.Accompaniments:Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce), and sauces like tahini, hummus, or yogurt sauce.

3.Storage:Store any uncooked falafel mixture in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage. Cooked falafel can be refrigerated for a few days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.

By following these tips, you can make delicious, crispy, and flavorful falafel at home.