Falafel, a beloved staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, is a dish steeped in history and tradition. These golden, crispy fritters made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, blended with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, have been enjoyed for centuries. While its precise origins remain a subject of debate, many historians trace falafel back to Egypt, where it was originally made with fava beans and served as a protein-rich meal for Coptic Christians during Lent, a period of fasting in which they abstained from animal products. Over time, falafel spread across the Levant and beyond, with chickpeas becoming the preferred base in countries like Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Today, falafel is a culinary icon found in bustling street markets and fine-dining restaurants alike, celebrated for its satisfying crunch, fragrant spice profile, and versatility. Whether tucked into warm pita, served alongside fresh salads and tangy pickles, or drizzled with creamy tahini, falafel continues to be a dish that bridges cultures and generations.
Sherry’s depth of flavor, complex oxidative notes, and remarkable versatility make it an ideal match for falafel, particularly when drizzled with creamy tahini. Among the many styles of jerez wines, Lustau Palo Cortado Península stands out as an exceptional choice. Península carries the elegance of an amontillado, with bright acidity and nutty finesse, yet possesses the fuller body and dried fruit complexity of oloroso. This duality makes it particularly well-suited to falafel, cutting through its fried exterior while complementing the creamy sesame richness of the sauce; the wine balances the earthiness of chickpeas, the aromatic intensity of cumin and coriander, and the luscious texture of tahini. The toasted almond and hazelnut notes resonate with the nuttiness of tahini, while subtle orange peel and dried fig undertones mirror the warmth of falafel’s spice profile. The salinity, a hallmark of sherry, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness, ensuring that each bite remains lively and enticing.
ENHANCING YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE
Enjoying falafel with sherry isn’t just about finding the right flavor match—it’s about transforming the meal into something special. Serve Lustau Palo Cortado Península slightly chilled, around 13-14°C (55-57°F), to highlight its crispness while allowing its deeper caramelized nuances to shine. Pairing it with a mezze spread of pickled vegetables, bell peppers, olives, and warm pita will further enhance the experience, allowing the interplay of textures and flavors to unfold with every sip.
Homemade Falafel with Tahini Sauce Ingredient List
For the Falafel:
• 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• ½ small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2-3 tablespoons water (if needed)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Tahini Sauce:
• ½ cup tahini paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE FALAFEL
1. Soak the dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. Drain and pat dry.
2. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
3. Add cumin, coriander, cayenne (if using), salt, baking soda, flour, and lemon juice. Pulse until well combined, scraping the sides as needed.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).
6. Scoop portions of the mixture and form into small balls or patties.
7. Fry in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
8. Whisk together tahini sauce ingredients, adjusting water for consistency.
9. Serve warm.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAHINI AND HUMMUS?
Tahini is a smooth, creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds, often used as a condiment or sauce base. Hummus, on the other hand, is a blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, creating a rich and slightly tangy dip. While tahini is an essential component of hummus, the two serve different culinary purposes.
IS FALAFEL HEALTHY FOOD?
Yes, falafel is a nutritious option when prepared mindfully. Made from protein-rich chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, it provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, deep-frying increases calorie content. Baking or air-frying can offer a lighter alternative while maintaining its signature crunch.
Enjoy!
