Falafel Italiano

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, (garbanzo beans) soaked overnight,
• cooked for 1/2 hour, then drained
• OR
• 1 15 oz. can of garbanzo beans, drained
• 1-teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1 Tablespoon flour
• Tablespoon Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup bulgur soaked, then squeezed of almost all water content
• 1-teaspoon baking powder
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 medium egg
• 3 Tablespoons, finely chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
• 2 Tablespoons dried basil OR 3 Tablespoons fresh finely chopped basil
• 4 dashes cayenne pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional Garnishes:
• Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• Shredded lettuce
• Sauteed sliced onions
• Sauteed sliced bell pepper
• Thinly sliced Mozzarella or Provolone cheese
• Gardinara mix (hot or mild...your choice)
• Your favorite prepared marinara sauce, heated

1. Put the chickpeas in a 2-quart soup pot, add the water, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
3. Drain the chickpeas and reserve the liquid.
4. OR if using canned garbanzos, go directly to the next step.
5. Grind the chickpeas through the coarse blade of a meat grinder or pulse in a food processor. Remove to a bowl.
6. In the bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
7. Add salt to taste.
8. The mixture should be the consistency of cooked oatmeal.
9. If it is too loose, add a little more flour.
10. Form into 1-inch balls, then flatten each slightly in your hand to make a patty.
11. In a deep saucepan or a wok, heat 3 inches of oil to 375u0b0 F.
12. Make one falafel ball as a test to determine if it will hold together in the oil. If it tends to fall apart, add a little more flour.
13. Deep-fry in batches until golden.
14. Using a skimmer, transfer to paper towels to drain.
15. Tuck into warm pita bread or fold into a wrap, along with whichever additions you choose.

chickpeas, hour, or, garbanzo beans, salt, flour, italian seasoned breadcrumbs, bulgur soaked, baking powder, garlic, egg, parsley, ground pepper, basil, cayenne pepper, parmesan cheese, tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, marinara sauce

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/falafel-italiano-50040227 (may not work)