Let’s Talk Falafel - What Is It And Why Is It So Good?
Let’s talk Falafel! One of our absolute favourite things to eat, these crunchy balls of flavour are taking the world by storm.
But, they aren’t a recent invention. Mediterranean families have been enjoying these tasty morsels for generations!
So, what is falafel and why is it so darn good?
Well, let us tell you all about it now.
Let’s Talk Falafel - What Is It And Why Is It So Good?
What Is Falafel?
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern food that is made from ground chickpeas and mixed with ingredients such as parsley, coriander, onion, garlic, and a selection of spices. The mixture is then formed into small balls or patties and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Here at Kohkoz, we prefer the ball shape as it makes them super versatile for a whole bunch of meals or snacks. Plus, you get that added crunch factor on the outside!
Falafel is typically served in a pita bread pocket, along with salad, pickles, and various sauces like tahini, hummus, or garlic toum. It is a popular vegetarian and vegan dish that is enjoyed all over the world for its delicious flavour and satisfying texture.
History Of Falafel
The exact origin of falafel has not been pinpointed, but it is generally believed to have originated in Egypt or the Levant region of the Eastern Mediterranean. Falafel's history can be traced back to ancient times, as ground beans and lentils were commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine for their versatility and nutritious value.
The modern version of falafel, made from chickpeas, is believed to have been developed in Egypt during the 19th century. At that time, chickpeas were plentiful and affordable, making them a popular food source for many people. Falafel became a popular street food in Egypt and eventually spread throughout the Middle East.
In the 20th century, falafel began to gain popularity in other parts of the world. This was particularly true in Europe and the United States, as people began to embrace vegetarian and vegan diets. Today, falafel is enjoyed by people of all cultures and is considered a staple food in many Middle Eastern countries, where it is often served as a main course or as a snack.
Why Is It So Good?
There are plenty of reasons why falafel is so darn good! Here are just a few of the reasons why we love it:
- Good source of protein: Because falafel does not contain any meat products and is made from ground chickpeas, it is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly source of protein. Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet as it provides an energy boost and is essential for building and repairing tissues. So, falafel can be a good option for people who don't eat meat or other animal products (or simply for those that enjoy the taste)!
- High in fibre: Chickpeas are a rich source of fibre. As we know, chickpeas are the main ingredient in falafel, so it makes sense that these little golden balls are high in fibre. The right amount of fibre in your diet can help promote good digestive health and reduce the risk of certain diseases. A single serving of falafel can provide up to 5 grams of dietary fibre.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals: The chickpeas, herbs, and accompaniments used in making falafel are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. That includes iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6 to name a few. These nutrients can help promote overall health and prevent deficiencies.
- Versatile: Falafel can be eaten on its own, as a snack or added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps. That makes it a versatile and tasty addition to any meal.
- Simple and filling: Need to make a quick meal or take some snacks to go? Falafel travel well in containers so are the perfect on-the-go bite! And because they are packed full of goodness and flavour, they are satisfying and filling.
Falafel Meal Ideas
Got a hankering for falafel now? Then, why not try some of these great meal ideas?
Falafel Wraps
Just add fresh, warm pita bread, salad and a tasty accompaniment like hummus or garlic sauce and you have a delicious and nutritious lunch or dinner. To make it even easier, you can grab one of our meal kits that has everything you need to make Falafel Wraps.
Falafel Bowls
Quick, healthy and delicious, Falafel bowls are a great meal option when you need something yummy, and fast! Half fill your bowls with cooked rice, then top with falafel, avocado, cucumber, red cabbage (feel free to pickle it if you have time), and a big dollop of hummus. Crumble some feta on the top and serve with a lemon wedge.
Falafel Salad
The options are endless when it comes to creating a falafel salad, but our favourite ingredients include cos lettuce, avocado, cumber, parsley leaves, feta and a dressing made with olive oil and limes. For a warm salad, place your heated falafel on top, or incorporate it into the salad ingredients for a cold variety.
Falafel Tray Bake
Need a filling and tasty meal to feed a crowd? Then, a falafel tray bake is a super easy one-pan option! Just throw all your ingredients onto an oven tray and bake them for 45mins. Some tray bake ingredients could include Falafel (of course), chopped carrots, red onions, capsicums, and baby truss tomatoes all drizzled with olive and topped with dukkah. Serve with hummus or garlic toum.
Grab Your Falafel Now
It is possible to make your own falafel at home, but why go to the trouble when you can get deliciously crunchy, authentic Mediterranean falafel right here.
Here at Kohkoz, we lovingly handcraft our falafel weekly. Then we package it up and ship it out to you to enjoy! Moist and fluffy in the middle and crunchy on the outside, our falafel balls pack a flavour punch. Grab them in a family sized 40 pack or a handy 14 pack now.
