Mar 6, 2014

Broccoli falafel


"No, Julian, those are not hush puppies..."

Recipe adapted from Gray Apron
time: time to soak peas + 10 min preparation + 20 min cooking
makes about 25 pieces

 ingredients 
1 cup (170 g) dry chickpeas, soaked overnight
1 medium broccoli head, about 500g/1lb or 270g/10 oz just broccoli florets
1 medium onion, peeled and roughly chopped 
1 large garlic clove, peeled and roughly chopped
1/2 + 1/8 teaspoon (5 - 6 g) salt
1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon cardamon powder
1/4 teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
2 Tablespoons (30 ml) water
2 Tablespoons (20 g) flour
about 1 cup oil for frying (I used cold pressed canola)



 instructions 
Divide broccoli into florets (don't use the hard stem). Prepare a large ball with ice water. Boil a large pot of salted (extra salt) water. Throw in broccoli pieces and cook for 2 minutes (from the time broccoli is in the water). Drain the vegetable and soak it in the ice water for a minute. Drain and place it on a cotton rag for further drying.

Drain the chickpeas. Pat them dry with a cotton rag.

In a food processor with steal blades, blend broccoli florets, chickpeas, onion, garlic, salt and cardamon till grainy. You can adjust seasoning at this time.

In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in water. Add it to the vegetables. Add flour. Stir to blend.

Using an ice cream scoop (dipped in water), form golf-size balls from the chickpea mix.

On a small skillet, heat oil on medium high. Test the oil: if a falafel crumb dipped in the oil starts dancing right away, you can begin frying. Fry about 5 falafels at the time (more and you'll cool oil too much), about 2 minutes on each side.

Remove balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. Eat when hot, warm or cold.
NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES 
  • it's hard to decide what they taste like...not much like broccoli though;
  • the mix of spices, garlic and other things gives them that authentic and exotic flavor, which is very welcomed with the warmer season on its way;
  • the making is quite simple, the frying is fast; 
  • the smaller the skillet, the less oil you'll use; the balls don't have to be swimming  in oil but they should be in it at least half way;
  • I used all I had to keep all the watering mouths and hungry eyes off me and the falafels while taking pictures...the hardest part of the process.

26 comments:

  1. These look delicious - I love the green color! Very pop-able if you will! haha

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    1. Me encanta el color verde se ven muy deliciosas y bonitas,abrazos y saludos.

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  2. These look amazing, I love falafel Ela!!xx

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  3. Falafel with extra colour and goodness!

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  4. I totally love this. Chickpeas and broccoli is such a healthy combination.

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  5. This is on my to-do list! Love the addition of broccoli.
    Happy Friday!
    Angie

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  6. I LOVE falafel! I'm intrigued by the green colour - I need to try these!

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  7. Love the new look of the website! And the broccoli falafel is such a great idea!

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  8. Like the looks of your new site design and absolutely love these falafel. What a great combination, these would be perfect in a salad, sandwich or just plain ole snacking. Love it.

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  9. Love the new site! Adding broccoli is a great way to amp up the variety of nutrients in falafel. The color is great too!

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  10. This is my kind of meal! So pretty with the broccoli.

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  11. I'm pretty obsessed and pumped about this recipe, what a great and unique way to use garden broccoli!

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  12. These look so good Ela! I love falafel and adding broccoli sounds fantastic :)

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  13. WHAT... broccoli falafel!? I've never heard of it this combination but I think I have to try it RIGHT now (or... for dinner, at least). I love that they are green, too, reminds me of falafel made with fava beans which are my favorite (though I can't seem to find fava beans around here). Thanks so much for sharing!

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  14. I love the color, so pretty! I've been trying to get my family to eat more green veggies, this recipe would be perfect!

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  15. Vibrant colour and totally delicious! : )

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  16. This looks soooo good!! I love love LOVE falafel!! YUM! What a great idea to use broccoli! :)

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  17. Love the vibrant green color, like little jewels! What a delicious way to enjoy broccoli.
    Cheers,
    J+C

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  18. Chickpeas and broccoli two super foods combined to make a delicious dish.
    Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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  19. Broccoli is a great way to add color to falafel. Only have made it once...but would love to try your recipe the next time. Great presentation!

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  20. Your falafel looks amazing! What a great way to change a classic recipe and make it your own.

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  21. These look delicious and something I can wait to try making! I'm looking forward to browsing your other recipes too :)

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  22. i love the color of this falafel! super healthy too!

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  23. A great idea with healthy ingredients…they sound delicious.

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