Egyptian Falafel (Ta'amiya) Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried Fava Beans
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1/4 cup Parsley
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Coriander
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 cup Vegetable Oil
• 4 pieces Pita Bread
• 1/4 cup Tahini
• 1 medium Tomato
• 1/2 medium Cucumber

Instructions

1. 1Place the 1 cup of dried fava beans in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let them soak for at least 24 hours, changing the water a few times during this period. This will rehydrate the beans.
2. 2Drain the soaked 1 cup of fava beans thoroughly. Place the drained beans in a food processor along with the 1/2 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup parsley, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Process until the mixture forms a coarse, crumbly texture.
3. 3Take about 2 tablespoons of the fava bean mixture at a time and shape it into small, flat patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have about 12-16 patties.
4. 4Pour 1 cup of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
5. 5Carefully place 4-5 falafel patties into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked falafel from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining patties.
6. 6While the falafel are frying, warm the 4 pieces of pita bread. You can do this by briefly heating them in a dry skillet over low heat for about 1 minute per side, or in a toaster oven.
7. 7Prepare the tahini sauce by measuring 1/4 cup tahini into a small bowl. Add a tablespoon of water and stir vigorously. Continue adding water, a teaspoon at a time, and stirring until the sauce reaches your desired smooth, pourable consistency. If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice (not listed, so omit this part).
8. 8Slice the 1 medium tomato and 1/2 medium cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons.
9. 9To assemble the sandwiches, carefully open each warm pita bread. Fill each pita with a few of the cooked falafel patties, drizzle with the prepared tahini sauce, and add slices of the 1 medium tomato and 1/2 medium cucumber.

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