Spiced Chickpea Fritters (Falafel)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried Chickpeas
• 1/2 medium Onion
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Coriander
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 2 cups Sunflower Oil

Instructions

1. 1Place the 1 cup of dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with at least 4 cups of cold water. Allow the chickpeas to soak for a minimum of 12 hours, or overnight, to rehydrate fully.
2. 2After soaking, drain the 1 cup of chickpeas thoroughly in a colander and pat them very dry with paper towels. Roughly chop the 1/2 medium onion, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, then peel the 2 cloves of garlic.
3. 3Transfer the drained and dried 1 cup of chickpeas, the roughly chopped 1/2 medium onion, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, and 2 cloves of garlic to a food processor. Add the 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the food processor.
4. 4Process the mixture for 30-60 seconds, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until it is finely ground but still has some texture and is not completely smooth. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
5. 5Scoop out portions of the mixture, about 1-2 tablespoons each, and gently shape them into small patties, approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter and 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick, or into small balls.
6. 6Pour the 2 cups of sunflower oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C), using a kitchen thermometer to verify.
7. 7Carefully lower 4-5 shaped fritters into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are visibly golden brown and crispy on all sides.
8. 8Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried fritters from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture until all fritters are cooked.
9. 9Serve the Spiced Chickpea Fritters warm.

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