Ta’ameya Falafel: A Guide to Egypt’s Favorite Street Food

Vegetarian Dishes

Ta'ameya falafel

Ta’ameya falafel is a beloved food in Egypt and throughout the Middle East. Made from ground fava beans, ta’ameya is a vegan and gluten-free alternative to meat-based dishes. The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior make it a satisfying snack or meal.

Ta’ameya is like Egypt’s version of falafel. Some folks say it’s been around since the time of the pharaohs! Instead of chickpeas, which many people use for falafel, Egyptians use fava beans. These beans have been popular in Egypt for ages. Today, you can find ta’ameya being sold on street corners and enjoyed at family dinners. It’s crispy on the outside, soft and herby on the inside, and a big favorite among many. So, when you bite into one, you’re tasting a bit of Egypt’s long food history.

During my visit to Berlin, my client and I decided to try out an Egyptian restaurant for lunch. We were greeted by a young Egyptian waitress who was friendly and welcoming. After going over the menu, we placed our order and waited for our food to arrive.

While enjoying our meal, we heard a loud crash from another table. A customer had accidentally broken a piece of decorative pottery in the restaurant. After the commotion settled, I requested the recipe for the delicious dish we were eating from the chef, who kindly agreed to share it with me. The recipe for the dish included the following ingredients: fava beans, red onion, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, fresh dill, garlic, coriander, salt, cumin, sesame seeds, and vegetable oil.

Accompanied dishes

When it comes to ta’ameya falafel, several dishes can complement its flavors and textures. Here are some of my favorite dishes to pair with it:

  • Hummus: This classic Middle Eastern dip is made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor make it the perfect accompaniment to ta’ameya.
  • Baba ganoush: Another popular dip in Middle Eastern cuisine, baba ganoush is made from roasted eggplant, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Its smoky flavor pairs well with the earthy flavors of this falafel.
  • Tabbouleh: This refreshing salad is made from parsley, tomatoes, onions, bulgur wheat, and lemon juice. Its bright flavors and crunchy texture make it a great contrast to the soft and savory ta’ameya.
  • Fattoush: This salad is made from mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and crispy pita chips. Its tangy dressing and crunchy texture make it a great side dish for ta’ameya.
  • Pickles: Whether it’s pickled turnips, cucumbers, or other vegetables, pickles are a great way to cut through the richness of this falafel and add some extra flavor and texture to your meal.

Overall, many dishes can pair well with ta’ameya. These are just a few of my personal favorites but feel free to experiment and find your perfect pairing.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of dried split fava beans
  • 1 red onion, quartered
  • 1/2 cup of fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup of fresh dill
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 1/2 tsp of ground coriander
  • 1 1/2 tsp of salt
  • 1 tsp of ground cumin
  • 1 cup of sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 quart of vegetable oil for frying, or as needed.

How to Make Ta’ameya Falafel?

Ta'ameya falafel

  1. To make it, the first step is to soak fava beans in a large bowl and cover them with several inches of water. I usually let them soak for 8 hours overnight. Once the beans have soaked, drain them and set them aside.
  2. Next, mix the soaked fava beans with parsley, cilantro, red onion, garlic, dill, coriander, cumin, and salt in a food processor. Blend everything until it’s thick like dough.
  3. For the sesame seeds, Warm up a pan on medium and put in the seeds. Stir them now and then until they’re brown about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the sesame seeds to a large plate.
  4. To make the falafel balls, Shape the fava bean mixture into about 50 balls. Then, cover the balls with sesame seeds by rolling them in it.
  5. To fry the falafel balls, pour some oil in a big pot, about a quarter full, and warm it up on medium. Fry the bean balls in groups until they turn a nice golden color, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes per batch. Drain the cooked falafel balls on paper towels.

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can make delicious ta’ameya falafel at home.

Variations

When it comes to ta’ameya, there are many variations to try. Some people prefer a traditional recipe, while others like to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few variations to consider:

  • Spicy: Add some heat to your falafel by incorporating spicy ingredients like jalapenos or red pepper flakes. You can also add a spicy sauce on top for an extra kick.
  • Herbed: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill into your falafel mixture for a fresh and flavorful twist.
  • Cheesy: Mix in some shredded cheese with your falafel mixture for a cheesy and delicious snack.
  • Sweet: Add some sweetness to your ta’ameya by incorporating ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, or honey.

These variations are just a few examples of the many ways you can customize your ta’ameya. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find the perfect combination for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ta’ameya falafel is a delicious and nutritious food that has been enjoyed for centuries in Egypt and beyond. As I have explored in this article, the dish is made from a blend of fava beans, herbs, and spices that are mixed and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

One of the things that makes it so special is its versatility. You can have it as a snack, as a side dish, or as the main thing you eat. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to meat-based dishes, it is an excellent choice.

Another thing that I have discovered is that ta’ameya is a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. This makes it an ideal food for people who are looking to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about ta’ameya falafel and its rich history and cultural significance. I would highly recommend this dish to anyone who is looking for a tasty and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and enjoy.

By the way, ta’ameya falafel pairs perfectly with homemade tahini.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
simple tahini sauce

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