Fresh Herb Falafel

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dried chickpeas
• soaked overnight
• drained
• 1/2 onion
• coarsely chopped
• 1 jalapeño
• coarsely chopped
• 1 garlic clove
• crushed
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons chickpea flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Vegetable oil (for frying; about 8 cups)
• Shredded Cabbage Salad and Spiced Green Tahini Sauce and warm thick pita with pockets (for serving)
• A deep-fry thermometer

Instructions

1. 1

   Pulse chickpeas in a food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until they resemble finely chopped nuts (the texture should be uneven, with some slightly larger pieces visible), about 1 minute.

2. 2

   Transfer to a large bowl.

3. 3

   Pulse onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and parsley in food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until coarsely chopped, about 1 minute.

4. 4

   Mix into chickpeas, then mix in chickpea flour, salt, baking powder, cardamom, and cumin.

5. 5

   Form into ping-pong–size balls.

6. 6

   Pour oil into a large heavy pot to a depth of 3".

7. 7

   Fit pot with thermometer and heat oil over medium-high until thermometer registers 330°F.

8. 8

   Working in batches, cook falafel, turning occasionally, until deep brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.

9. 9

   Transfer to paper towels; let sit 5 minutes.

10. 10

    Serve falafel with salad, tahini sauce, and pita.