Falafel: Middle Eastern Delight

Falafel is a deep-fried fritter of Egyptian origin.

Falafel is made from fava beans, chickpeas, or both.

Falafel is a popular street food throughout the Middle East.

Egypt and Arabian Peninsula prefer fava beans in falafel.

Levantine falafel usually uses chickpeas or a chickpea blend.

Falafel often comes inside pita or flatbread sandwiches.

Falafel sandwiches may include salads, pickles, and hot sauce.

Falafel can also be eaten alone as a snack or meze.

Falafel was probably not fried in ancient Egypt due to oil cost.

Falafel spread from Egypt after World War 1 across Middle East.

Jewish Yemeni refugees in 1950s helped popularize pita falafel.

Falafel became widely popular because it was cheap and protein-rich.

Falafel is popular with vegetarians and vegan meat substitutes.

Typical homemade falafel has 333 calories per 100 grams.

Falafel is a tasty, protein-packed treat enjoyed worldwide.