Culture Cruise
The History of Falafel: A Delicious Mediterranean Journey
by Padmini Chintakayala on Feb 26, 2023
Have you ever stopped to wonder how the delicious falafel sandwich came to be? From its humble beginnings as a dish served in the Middle East, falafel has come to be one of the most popular and beloved dishes in the world. Let’s take a look back at the history of this tasty treat.
The exact origin of falafel is unknown, but there are many theories about where it came from. Some believe that it was invented by Egyptian Copts who were looking for an alternative to meat during Lenten fasts. Others think that it originated in Yemen and then spread throughout the Middle East, eventually becoming a staple in countries such as Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
No matter where it first appeared, falafel has become extremely popular all over the world. It’s made with mashed chickpeas mixed with spices and herbs like garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, and more depending on the region. The mixture is then formed into small balls or patties which are usually deep-fried until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once cooked, they can be served alone or stuffed into pita bread with salad vegetables like tomato and onion or tahini sauce for extra flavor.
Falafel is also incredibly versatile; you can use different types of beans or legumes instead of chickpeas if you want to try something new. You can also make them baked instead of fried for a healthier version. No matter how you serve them up, one thing is certain – they always taste great!
The exact origin of falafel is unknown, but there are many theories about where it came from. Some believe that it was invented by Egyptian Copts who were looking for an alternative to meat during Lenten fasts. Others think that it originated in Yemen and then spread throughout the Middle East, eventually becoming a staple in countries such as Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.
No matter where it first appeared, falafel has become extremely popular all over the world. It’s made with mashed chickpeas mixed with spices and herbs like garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, and more depending on the region. The mixture is then formed into small balls or patties which are usually deep-fried until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once cooked, they can be served alone or stuffed into pita bread with salad vegetables like tomato and onion or tahini sauce for extra flavor.
Falafel is also incredibly versatile; you can use different types of beans or legumes instead of chickpeas if you want to try something new. You can also make them baked instead of fried for a healthier version. No matter how you serve them up, one thing is certain – they always taste great!
Falafel has also become increasingly popular in western cultures in recent years. It’s often served as part of a mezze platter or inside pita bread with vegetables, hummus, tahini sauce and other accompaniments. Its versatility means that it can be enjoyed as an appetizer or on its own as a main meal - whatever your preference!
Fun Facts About Falafel
Falafels are said to have gotten their name from an ancient Egyptian word - “phalil” - which means “little round cakes”. In addition, they are thought to have been traditionally formed into balls due to their resemblance to small coins - making them easy to carry around when sold as street food.
Falafel has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a simple dish enjoyed by Egyptians thousands of years ago. Nowadays it’s enjoyed all over the world as a delicious snack or meal that’s both versatile and flavorful. If you're looking for some delicious falafel that's freshly made and conveniently shipped right to your door, check out Nommli today! Get ready to experience an amazing culinary journey with every bite!
Falafel has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a simple dish enjoyed by Egyptians thousands of years ago. Nowadays it’s enjoyed all over the world as a delicious snack or meal that’s both versatile and flavorful. If you're looking for some delicious falafel that's freshly made and conveniently shipped right to your door, check out Nommli today! Get ready to experience an amazing culinary journey with every bite!
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