My Favorite Sandwich Middle Eastern Style Food

HOW TO MAKE FALAFEL

Steps:

• (One day in advance) Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
• Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture.
• Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.
• Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
• Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
• Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
• Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
• Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato and cucumbers. Enjoy!

FALAFEL RECIPE

Steps:

• Soak chickpeas overnight in a generous amount of water.
• Drain chickpeas and add to a food processor.
• Add all other ingredients to the chickpeas.
• Process until well mixed and mixture resembles coarse wet sand.
• Use a falafel scooper or shape into balls using your hands.
• Deep fry until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Serve while hot.

MY FAVORITE SANDWICH - MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE

Steps:

• Heat pita until warm.
• Smear with hummus then pile on the tabouli and peppers.
• Fold and enjoy.

GREEK FETA CHEESE SPREAD (HTIPITI)

Steps:

• In food processor, combine cheese, oil, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, tomatoes and red peppers.
• Blend well to form a nice smooth paste.
• If too thick, thin with a little more oil.
• Serve with pita bread, crackers or crusty bread.

FEZ CARROTS

Steps:

• Combine the carrots through nutmeg in a saucepan and cook over low heat until tender.
• Stir in the raisins and brown sugar.
• Cook another 1/2 minute, stirring gently to warm through.

CHICKEN WITH BULGUR

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Mix together the salt, cinnamon, allspice, and pepper; rub mixture into chicken (you can remove the skin from the chicken, if you like).
• In a heavy, wide frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning, until all sides are browned.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside; discard the pan drippings but do not wipe out the pan.
• Melt the butter in the pan you cooked the chicken in; add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft.
• Add the uncooked bulgur and currants and stir to coat well with butter.
• Spread the bulgur mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan; place the chicken pieces on top.
• Pour the water, then the broth, over the chicken.
• Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake in a 375 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until juices run clear and bulgur has absorbed all liquid.
• Garnish with sprinkled parsley and mint and serve.

SIZZLING FLANK STEAK MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE

Steps:

• Mix all marinade ingredients in a shallow baking dish.
• Add the meat, turning once to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning the meat occasionally.
• Remove the meat from the marinade, reserving the marinade.
• Grill meat to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium.
• Transfer the meat to a platter and let stand about 5 minuted to stabilize juices.
• Meanwhile, strain marinade into a small saucepan and dicard the solids.
• Bring the marinade to a boil over high heat, 3-5 minutes.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Cut meat on the diagonal into thin slices and pour marinade over the meat. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.