Chickpea and bottle gourd Falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern “fast food” made of a mixture of chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs, and spices that are formed into a small patties or balls. It's thought that falafel originated in Egypt as Coptic Christians looked for a hearty replacement for meat during long seasons of fasting or lent.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Bottle Gourd (grated)
- 2 Cups Chickpeas
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 2 Cups Coriander lLeaves
- 1 tsp Chilly Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- As per taste Salt
Instructions
- Take grated bottle gourd and add 1/2 tsp salt. Keep aside for 30 minutes
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the bottle gourd. Take coriander leaves and garlic in a food processor. Chop finely
- Take cooked chickpeas in a mixer and paste it with little water.
- Take the squeezed bottle gourd in a bowl.
- Add the chickpeas paste.
- Add the coriander leaves + garlic mix.
- Add chilly powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and salt.Mix well.
- Make small balls of the mix, Heat a nonstick idly pan and add 1/4 tsp oil in each groove.
- Place the balls in the groove.
- Keep turning the balls until all the sides turn brown.
- Alternatively, the balls can be flattened and baked in a greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 20 minutes. Flip over and bake for another 10 – 15 minutes. Out of the oven. They are done when the tops are slightly browned. serve hot with chutneys.
