Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Chickpeas for Falafel

   Take 1.5 cups (300g) of chickpeas and soak them in water for 12 hours. After soaking, drain the water completely and dry the chickpeas thoroughly.

2. 2.Grind Falafel Mixture

   In a chopper, combine the soaked and dried chickpeas, 1 medium chopped onion, 3-4 broken green chilies, 8-10 garlic cloves, 1.5 tsp roasted cumin powder, 1 tsp salt, and a generous bunch of fresh coriander. Grind the mixture coarsely until it forms a rough paste that can be easily pressed into a ball.

3. 3.Add Seasoning and Leavening to Falafel Mixture

   Add 1 tsp chili flakes (optional) and 0.5 tsp baking soda to the ground falafel mixture. Mix all ingredients thoroughly with your hands.

4. 4.Form and Fry Falafel Patties

   Lightly grease your hands with oil. Take a small portion of the falafel mixture, roll it into a ball, and then gently flatten it into a patty, ensuring the edges are smooth and crack-free. Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the falafel patties into the oil.

5. 5.Cook Falafel until Crispy

   Fry the falafel for 5-6 minutes on medium flame, turning them occasionally, until they achieve a golden brown color and become crispy. Remove the fried falafel from the oil and place them on a plate.

6. 6.Prepare Chickpeas for Hummus

   Soak 1 cup of chickpeas for 12 hours. Then, boil them in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp baking soda for 2-3 whistles until they are very soft. Optionally, remove the skins from the boiled chickpeas for a smoother hummus.

7. 7.Make Tahini Paste

   Heat a small pan over low flame. Add 3 tablespoons of sesame seeds and dry roast them for 2 minutes until a nutty aroma is released and they are lightly toasted. Do not allow them to brown. Turn off the flame and let the sesame seeds cool. Transfer the cooled sesame seeds to a blender and dry grind them first. Then, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the ground sesame seeds and blend again until a smooth tahini paste is formed.

8. 8.Combine Hummus Ingredients

   To the tahini paste in the blender, add 5-6 small garlic cloves (or 2 large), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 0.25 tsp roasted cumin powder, and 0.5 tsp salt. Blend these ingredients together. Then, add the boiled chickpeas (with skins removed if done so), 1 tablespoon of the chickpea boiling water, and a few ice cubes to the blender.

9. 9.Blend Hummus to Smooth Consistency

   Blend the mixture until it is very smooth, light, and fluffy. If a thinner consistency is desired, add more chickpea water gradually, adjusting salt if needed.

10. 10.Serve and Garnish Hummus

    Transfer the prepared hummus to a serving bowl. Create a swirl in the center with a spoon. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle paprika or chili powder around the edges and in the center. Garnish with a few whole boiled chickpeas and a sprig of fresh coriander.