Falafel

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (19 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix the garbanzo beans in a food processor. Add in the onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley cumin, turmeric, baking powder, bread crumbs, salt and pepper.

2. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls; you should get 18 to 24. If the mixture does not hold together, add a little water.

3. Heat the oil in a frying pan. Carefully drop the balls into the hot oil, and fry until brown. Be sure to turn frequently so they brown evenly.
Alternately, I have put these in a shallow dish with oil and placed in the oven under broil, turning on occasion.

Enjoy with hummus and homemade pitas!