FALAFEL COOKING LESSON AND SLIDESHOW: The Original Veggie Burger!

What makes falafel so versatile, and where does it come from? Learn a little bit about the history of one of the world’s oldest fast food and how to make it at home!

Falafel —deep-fried chickpea balls served on a platter or stuffed into a pita pocket — are a common street food in the Middle East. While the true origin of this ancient dish is still up for debate, some historians theorize that fava bean croquettes were prepared by Egyptian (Christian) Copts looking for a meat replacement during Lent. As the recipe traveled through the Levantine regions of Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and parts of Turkey and Greece, fava beans were eventually replaced with chickpeas.

Over the last few decades these crispy golden fritters have become a popular plant based menu option for both high-end and fast food restaurants throughout the world. Naturally vegan, falafel are now the go-to dish for those seeking a healthier non-dairy/vegetarian alternative.

This interactive hands-on seminar will teach you how to prepare three different versions of falafel (traditional deep-fried, pan-fried, and baked) and how to serve it stuffed in a pita (street food style) or on a platter (restaurant style). Vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike will be excited to learn how to recreate one of the most loved street foods in their own kitchens. Participants will come away with an increased understanding of the flavors and techniques of this popular food and how it continues to evolve in the world today!

GENERAL INGREDIENTS:
Dried chickpeas OR canned chickpeas
Baking soda (if using dried chickpeas)
Baking powder
Kosher salt
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
All-purpose flour, chickpea flour, or rice flour
Vegetable, canola, safflower, grape seed or peanut oil
Pita bread loaves
Cucumbers and tomatoes
Garlic
Onions or scallions
Coriander or Italian/flat parsley leavesSour pickles cut in half lengthwise (depending upon how large they are)

EQUIPMENT:
Measuring cups and spoons
Large chef’s/chopping knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl and spoon
Small 3- or 4-cup saucepan for deep-frying, non-stick skillet for pan-frying, or large baking pan for baking
Plate with paper towels to drain falafel (if frying falafel)
Pastry brush (if baking falafel)
Food processor

Virtual lessons are live with interactive, step-by-step instruction. Tickets are per household login. Details including recipe and Zoom link will be sent to you after payment.

About Cooking Classes

Cooking along with me in real time, students will be able to easily follow my step-by-step instructions while asking questions. At the end of each lesson participants will come away with a better understanding of the basic skills needed to complete a specific recipe from start to finish, while learning how to prepare it from the comfort of their own kitchen(s).

If you have a good internet connection and computer, tablet, or smartphone, you should be good to go! We will connect live, over Zoom. Private virtual lessons will be scheduled for a date and time that is convenient for everyone.

In-person classes can be organized in the comfort of your very own home and kitchen! After we work out a menu, I will send you a detailed ingredients and equipment list to have ready for the day of the class. We will work together to find a date and time that is convenient for everyone.

After booking your class you will receive a detailed ingredients and equipment list. I can guide you where to obtain hard-to-find items or substitutes (if needed!).

Browse and click through my catalog to find the classes that are interesting to you.* From the class detail page you can book the class and also ask me any questions you might have. I will work with you to find the best date and time that is convenient for us to cook together.

*Note: Most classes listed can be done either virtually or in person, and organized as a team-building lesson if preferred.

All virtual classes include my detailed step-by-step instruction in real time as I cook. Students will be provided with a clear view on screen of all ingredients, cooking utensils, and techniques needed to prepare a successful recipe. Longer virtual "Chef Talk & Lesson Program" options include a a slide show presentation that provides insight into the dish's origin followed by the dish preparation.

Jennifer Abadi | FALAFEL COOKING LESSON AND SLIDESHOW: The Original Veggie Burger!