Among the foods that are a staple of Mediterranean cuisine is falafel, and if you love Mediterranean food, you should learn the origins of the falafel. Falafel has been a popular dish worldwide. It is a food that you can find in many Mediterranean restaurants in Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, and any other major cities in the United States.
The origins of the falafel can be traced back to Egypt, which is located between Africa and the Middle East. Egyptians are said to eat falafels every day. In fact, falafels are considered their national dish. Falafels reached North America and Germany in the 20th century.
Falafels are made from chickpeas or fava beans, which are mixed with herbs and spices, such as cilantro, parsley, cayenne pepper, cumin seed, and coriander seed.
Falafels are healthy, and among the health benefits that one can get from falafels include:
- Good digestion
- Improved muscle development
- Controlled cholesterol levels
- Controlled blood pressure
In addition, falafels are rich in soluble fiber, protein, calcium, zinc, and potassium as well as low in calories, low in sodium, and a good source of healthy fats. Most falafels are also good for vegetarian diets.
It’s important to note that all falafels are not the same, despite the origins of the falafel having a very specific recipe. There are some that are healthy and there are also some that aren’t, and that depends on how it’s made and cooked. For instance, if falafels are cooked in a high-fat oil, then it’s not the healthiest falafel you’ll be able to find.
How to Eat Falafels Las Vegas Style
Falafels can be eaten as a snack, but they can also go well with pita bread and can be a substitute for burger patties. Falafels can also be mixed with salad and can be an additional ingredient for main courses.
Moreover, falafels are already flavorful by themselves, but you can improve the taste by adding hummus, yogurt, or tahini sauce, or by adding other ingredients into the falafel mixture.
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FAQs
The origins of the falafel can be traced back to Egypt, which is located between Africa and the Middle East. Egyptians are said to eat falafels every day. In fact, falafels are considered their national dish.
What is the history of the falafel? ›
The dish most likely originated in Egypt. It has been speculated that its history may go back to Pharaonic Egypt. However, the earliest written references to falafel from Egyptian sources date to the 19th century, and oil was probably too expensive to use for deep frying in ancient Egypt.
What is a fun fact about falafel? ›
Turkish and Arab traders likely brought the dish westward into the Middle East. The first instance of frying dough made from dried beans was recorded as a meal in Medieval Egypt, where it was enjoyed by Copts, a Christian ethnic group who at times rejected meat and adhered to a vegan diet.
What is the importance of falafel? ›
Researchers have found that falafel has many health benefits. It is high in fibre as it contains vegetables, legumes (beans, chickpeas, or almonds), and olive oil, all of which can help people stay healthy and maintain an optimal weight while reducing their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure.
Is falafel Greek or Mediterranean? ›
It's an extremely well-known dish in Mediterranean cuisine, and if you seriously love it, you should be comfortable with falafel. Heavenly, southern-style deep-fried vegan balls, initially made of chickpeas or fava beans, are intended to be moreish and filling.
Where did Falafel Inc originate? ›
After all, falafel stands are often the main food source inside Middle East refugee camps. The Falafel Inc. concept was born in Summer 2015 and started to develop when Ashkar secured the former Quick Pita location (1210 Potomac St. NW).
What is Israel's national dish? ›
Falafel. Another staple food here in Israel, falafel is made of a mixture of ground chickpeas and spices, which are then formed into balls that are then deep-fried. This Middle Eastern street food is common across the region, but it's actually considered the “National Dish” of Israel.
What are the 2 types of falafel? ›
There are three types of falafel--Traditional falafel, baked falafel and lemon falafel. “Where the traditional falafel is the basic fried falafel comprising a mix of chickpeas, onions, garlic, herbs and spices, baked falafels are made using fresh herbs in the chickpea mixture,” says Chef Sati from Ophelia.
What is a short description of falafel? ›
Falafel are deep-fried balls or patties made from chickpeas or fava beans, sometimes both, plus fresh herbs and spices. Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern street food sold from vendors or fast-casual spots in countries such as Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Israel, where it's the national dish.
What does saying falafel mean? ›
The word 'falafel' is a way to turn down sex with a partner . "Hey you wanna have sex?" "Falafel"
Falafel's Nutritional Profile
Zozos says that the health benefits of falafel are plenty. It tends to be relatively low in cholesterol, low on the glycemic index scale, and high in protein. Also, it's full of complex carbs and fiber, which are good for a healthy gut and regular bowel movements, adds Zozos.
Why is falafel a traditional food in Israel? ›
Falafel was made popular in Israel by Yemeni Jews in the 1950s. They brought with them the chickpea version of the dish from Yemen and introduced the concept of serving falafel balls in pita bread. And the way the Israeli falafel is served is, in my opinion, the main reason why Israeli falafel is truly, well, Israeli.
Is falafel a traditional food? ›
This Middle Eastern food has a very long history. The word falafel may descend from the Arabic word falāfil, a plural of the word filfil, meaning “pepper.” Legume fritters, including versions made with fava beans and lentils, have existed in the Middle East for thousands of years.
What is the history of falafel? ›
Falafel's Origins
Some maintain that it dates back about 1,000 years to the Egyptian Copts, who brought it with them from the Middle East. Others say that falafel can from India in the 6th century. One of the more accepted theories places the invention of falafel in more modern times, in the late 19th century.
Why is falafel not vegan? ›
Yes! Falafel is considered vegan by almost any definition as these tasty fried chickpea balls are entirely plant-based. Sometimes, however, falafel is served with non-vegan additions like feta cheese or tzatziki sauce, both of which contain dairy.
Why is falafel green? ›
Why are chickpea falafels green? Falafel lovers will tell you that authentic falafels should be crispy (deep-fried) and green on the inside. That green color comes from fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley. These green falafels are green through and through and also include those fragrant fresh herbs.
What is a falafel sandwich and where did it originate? ›
It is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. Spices are added to these. Falafel is either made into a ball, or a disc, which is then fried. The dish originally came from Egypt.
Do Muslims eat falafel? ›
Many Muslim and Jewish diners love falafels. Islamic and Jewish dietary laws enjoy a host of parallels. They share the ban on the consumption of pork and blood. They also put a great focus on maintaining cleanliness to ensure the purity of their food.
Why did falafel fall apart? ›
Simply mix until you have a paste-like consistency but it does not need to be perfectly smooth. A few rough bits are completely fine. If the mixture is too wet, the falafel has a tendency to fall apart when being fried so please pat dry the ingredients before using them.
