International Falafel Day- June 12

What is falafel?

Falafel is a street food that came from the Middle East.

Falafel is a deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both.

The falafel is commonly served in a pita with salads, pickled vegetables, and tahini, or wrapped in a flatbread known as taboon. Falafel balls may also be eaten alone as a snack or served as part of a meze tray (assortment of appetizers). 

falafel in a pita

Falafel is a good replacement for meat because it contains legume, so if you're a vegetarian, you must try Falafel, you may love it. It's also healthy because it's eaten with vegetables salad and tahini.

Where the falafel come from?

The common theory about the origin of falafel is that it originated in Egypt, and possibly eaten by Copts as a replacement for meat during Lent. Later the dish migrated to northern countries of the Levant. Some researchers believe that falafel is even older, from the Pharaonic Egypt era.

Where can you eat a falafel? 

In the Middle East you will find it everywhere, in every street corner. In Europe and North America you can also find it in Middle Eastern and Jewish neighborhoods and restaurants.

Nutritional value of falafel - per 100 g (3.5 oz) 

Energy 1,393 kJ (333 kcal)
Carbohydrates 31.84 g
Fat 17.80 g
Protein 13.31 g
Vitamins:
Vitamin A 13 IU
Thiamine (B1) (13%) 0.146 mg
Riboflavin (B2) (14%) 0.166 mg
Niacin (B3) (7%) 1.044 mg
Pantothenic acid (B5) (6%) 0.292 mg
Vitamin B6 (10%) 0.125 mg
Folate (B9) (20%) 78 μg
Vitamin B12 (0%) 0.00 μg
Minerals:
Calcium (5%) 54 mg
Iron (26%) 3.42 mg
Magnesium (23%) 82 mg
Manganese (33%) 0.691 mg
Phosphorus (27%) 192 mg
Potassium (12%) 585 mg
Sodium (20%) 294 mg Zinc (16%) 1.50 mg
Other constituents:
Water 34.62 g 

 June 12 is also Dia dos Namorados