How to Make Modus Operandi (Ta’ameya) of Egyptian Falafel Chickpeas?

Modus Operandi, also known as Ta’ameya, is a popular Egyptian street food made from mashed chickpeas, herbs, and spices. These small fried balls of goodness are usually served in a pita bread sandwich with tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas.
• 1 large onion, chopped.
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced.
• 1 cup of fresh parsley leaves, chopped.
• 1 cup of fresh coriander leaves, chopped.
• 1 tsp cumin powder.
• 1 tsp coriander powder.
• 1 tsp salt.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda.
• Oil, for frying.

Method:

1. Soak the chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
2. Drain the chickpeas and rinse them well. Place them in a food processor and pulse until they are coarsely ground. Do not over-process, as the mixture should still have some texture.
3. Transfer the ground chickpeas to a large bowl and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped coriander, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, black pepper, and baking soda.
4. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands to make sure that the mixture is evenly mixed.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the mixture to firm up and be easier to shape.
6. Heat the oil in a deep-frying pan or a deep fryer over medium heat. Take small portions of the chickpea mixture and shape them into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
7. Gently drop the balls into the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve the Modus Operandi of Egyptian Falafel Chickpeas immediately, while they are still hot and crispy. You can serve them in a pita bread sandwich with tahini sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.

Tips:

• Make sure to soak the chickpeas overnight, this will help them cook faster and be easier to mash.
• Do not use canned chickpeas, they are too soft and will not yield the desired texture.
• Use a neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying.

With this authentic recipe, you can enjoy the flavours and textures of Egyptian cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen. Just make sure to serve them hot and crispy for the best experience.