I had the pleasure of meeting the incredible, kind, and talented Fayza when we worked together in Akkar, Lebanon, which is north in this small but mighty country. Needless to say, I am incredibly flattered she and her family have contributed the following story. My first reaction to the opening of her story was of shock! There are people who don’t like falafel? However, as you’ll see, even the most disliked of foods can turn sweet when made by the right chef. 

This story, the recipe, the photos and the videos are generous and kind contributions from Fayza, her amazing daughter Mira, and her wonderful mother Mira, and sisters Fadia and Faten (the ‘F’ family!).

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go order my falafel shaping tool -

Falafel. It is a popular and cheap food in Lebanon, it is very delicious, yet not my favourite.

Two months ago, my mom made this mix at home, as she often does, and I volunteered to fry them. However, on this particular day I was not in the mood to eat, especially falafel (as I mentioned, it’s far from my favourite). My daughter, Mira, saw me and was interested about the special falafel shaping tool I was using. Naturally, being the curious child she is, she asked if she could help me. Because I was tired and not really feeling too much in a positive mood, I told her no, it wasn’t the right time to have her helping. She started crying. I felt very bad because my personal issues should not affect my children. So I went to her, and we talked it out. I said that I was sorry and yalla*, please Mira come and help me!

I was really surprised, right from the start she was a master at using the special falafel tool. Each time she would carefully shape another falafel ball, she would say ‘’Mama, I am making this for you! Yummy, it is so delicious!’’ 

I swear, even though I have been eating falafel my whole life, it was the first time that I actually really enjoyed it, and it is all because of sweet Mira. Every time I think or talk about falafel now, all I can see Mira preparing them, focused over the bowl, taking great care to shape each one just right with pride. 

*Yalla – Arabic for ‘lets go’

Teta’s* Falafels 

Ingredients 

• 1 kilo of dried chickpeas

• 5 medium white onions 

• 1 full head of garlic

• 50 grams of dried coriander 

• 1 bouquet of green coriander

• 1 tablespoon of cumin

• 2 tablespoon of bicarbonate/baking soda

• salt 

• Corn or sunflower Oil

Method

• Put your dried chickpeas in a big bowl, and soak in water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda for 12 hours. After this time, wash the chickpeas properly. 

• Cut the onion into big pieces. 

• In an electric or manual mixer (we use the manual one at our home), put the chickpeas add the onion and all the remaining ingredients. The mix should stay a bit rough, not very soft.

• Begin to heat up your oil, how you need will depend on the size of your pot/pan. Though do think ahead, it is not a good idea to crowd your pot/pan as it would bring down the temperature of the oil. 

• The falafel is now ready to be deep fried. Using the falafel tool, start making a round pieces of falafel.  You can test the oil is ready by dropping in a small amount of the mixture. The piece should bubble. 

• When the falafel balls are golden brown, remove and place on a kitchen/paper towel, and repeat the batches until all the mixture has been used. 

• Serve either on their own as part of a generous mezze platter (think hummus, pickles, salad), or put in a pita with tahini (see bonus recipe below), salad, pickles. Enjoy with family and/or friends. 

Bonus! Tahini Sauce 

Ingredients

• 4 spoons of tahini

• 1 lemon

• 1 garlic clove

• Pinch of chopped parsley

• A few spoons of water

• Pinch of salt

Method

• Put all the ingredients in a bowl, aside from the water, and mix. 

• Slowly add spoonful’s of water until you reach the right consistency (which is the one that seems right to you!)

• Top it on your freshly made falafels, and enjoy

*Teta – Arabic for grandmother