Ta'ameya/Egyptian Falafel Recipe

Falafel, or ta'ameya as we call it in Egypt, is an all-time favorite street food.  It is a staple in Egyptian diet.  In most of the Middle East falafel is made with chickpeas.  However, in Egypt we make it with fava beans.

Fava beans are an excellent choice for vegetarians and just folks looking for an alternative protein source.  They pack a whopping  66% of your recommended daily amount (RDA) of fiber per cup!  WOW! One cup also provides 15 grams of protein, 106% of your RDA of folates, vitamins such as B12, B6, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.

In addition, Fava beans are one of the best sources of minerals like iron, copper, manganese, calcium, and magnesium.  At 1062 mg or 23% of daily recommended levels, Fava beans are one of the highest plant sources of potassium.  Potassium is an essential electrolyte of cell and body fluids.  It helps counter effects of sodium on heart and blood pressure.

Fava beans are found in international food stores, such as halal markets, Turkish markets, and Hispanic grocery stores.  They are also referred to as broad beans.

Ta'ameya is easily prepared, and uncooked patties can be stored for 6+ months in the freezer.

While frying isn't the healthiest, I think the nutritional value highly outweighs the effects.  Especially if fried in olive oil.

So here goes.  My recipe for ta'ameya.

Serving:10 plus
Yields: 40-60 ta'ameya patties, more if you make 1.5 inch balls

2 cups dried. split fava beans
1/2 cup fresh dill
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 red onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 cup toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp cumin powder
1 1/2 tsp coriander powder
1 1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, add fava beans and cover with water.  Soak overnight.
Drain excess water.
In a food processor add all ingredients except sesame seeds. Mix until you have a dough-like consistency
In a large saucepan, fill about 1/4 full with olive oil.
While oil is heating shape ta'ameya into balls.  Flatten into patties if desired. Lightly coat with sesame seeds.
When oil is heated drop in and cook about 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown
Remove from oil and let drip on newspaper (traditional) or paper toweling.
Best served with pita bread, tomato, onion, and tahini sauce.

3 AMAZING HOMEMADE COLD REMEDIES

Natural cold remedy teas and salves you can make at home (my personal recipes):

1. Guava leaf tea.

It has been used here in Egypt for thousands of years to relieve respiratory symptoms associated with colds and bronchitis.  It is also a great treatment for diarrhea, menstrual cramping and PMS, hyperlipidemia and hypertension.  

• Boil 3-4 washed guava leaves for 5 minutes. 
• Let steep for 5 minutes. 
• Add honey or sugar to sweeten to your liking. 
• Drink 1 cup every 4-6 hours.

2. Peppermint tea for cough, headache, and stomach problems such as ulcers, heartburn, and indigestion. 

• Add one handful peppermint leaves to boiling water. 
• Boil 5 minutes, let steep for 5 minutes. 
• Strain into cup. 
• Honey can be added for sweeter taste.

3. Homemade vapor rub (for kids under 4 recipe):

• 4 tsp grated beeswax
• 3 tbsp cocoa butter
• 7 tbsp coconut oil
• 30 drops essential oils- 10 drops eucalyptus, 10 drops tea tree, 5 drops lavender, and 5 drops chamomile

1. Melt beeswax/ and cocoa butter in a double boiler.
2. Once melted turn off the heat and add coconut oil and essential oils.
3. Pour into a clean glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Makes about 3/4 cup.

• This can be stored for up to one and a half years in an airtight container.

☆ Please note that only chamomile and lavender are considered safe for babies under 2 months old. Eucalyptus at 2+ month, and tea tree at 9+ months. 

Why am I here?

Married.  Mother of 3.  DIYer.  Home cooked meals.  Home remedies.

Herbalist.

Professional Photographer.

I prefer natural medicines first.

I like to make everything from scratch if possible.

I live in Egypt, we have some pretty special stuff here.

I, like so many others, live on a pretty tight budget.

I like to make my $$ stretch as far as possible. 

I talk about things that are important to me.  If you wish for me to talk about anything else, please feel free to email me. 

The Prophet Muhammad (sws) said: "The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 74 The Prophet also said: "Acquire knowledge and impart it to the people." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 107

That's about it.  Why I'm here.  What I do.