Falafel

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried chick peas, soaked over-night
• 3 scallions, cleaned and sliced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon ground minced cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1/2 to 1 cup bread crumbs

Directions

Drain chickpeas and place them in a food processor. Add scallions, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, egg and hot sauce. Mix baking powder with water and add mixture to food processor. Process until smooth. Transfer mixture into a small bowl. Add bread-crumbs until mixture forms a small ball without sticking to your hands. Pour the oil to a depth of 2 inches in a heavy saucepan or wok. Heat to 375 degrees. Roll into 16 ping - pong - ball sized balls and flatten slightly. Slip a few at a time into the hot oil, making sure they don't stick to the bottom. Cook, turning, for about 6 minutes, or until the balls are a dark, even brown on all sides. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve with chopped tomato, cucumber, lettuce chiffonade, hot sauce and Yogurt Sauce.

Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 4 tablespoons tahini paste
• 1 teaspoon very finely minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Mix together the yogurt, tahini paste, garlic and lemon juice. Thin out with water to make a smooth medium thick sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.