My Favorite Sandwich Middle Eastern Style Recipes

HOW TO MAKE FALAFEL

Steps:

• (One day in advance) Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
• Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture.
• Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.
• Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
• Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
• Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
• Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
• Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato and cucumbers. Enjoy!

MY FAVORITE SANDWICH - MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE

Steps:

• Heat pita until warm.
• Smear with hummus then pile on the tabouli and peppers.
• Fold and enjoy.

SIZZLING FLANK STEAK MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE

Steps:

• Mix all marinade ingredients in a shallow baking dish.
• Add the meat, turning once to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning the meat occasionally.
• Remove the meat from the marinade, reserving the marinade.
• Grill meat to desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium.
• Transfer the meat to a platter and let stand about 5 minuted to stabilize juices.
• Meanwhile, strain marinade into a small saucepan and dicard the solids.
• Bring the marinade to a boil over high heat, 3-5 minutes.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Cut meat on the diagonal into thin slices and pour marinade over the meat. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.

FETA CHEESE DIP - MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE

Steps:

• Crumble and mash feta cheese with a fork with oils and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
• Serve with toasted pita wedges or crackers.
• VARIATIONS:.
• Many herbs and spices can be added to this recipe for a "kick".
• Try adding a teaspoon of dill, oregano, garlic powder, or another herb or spice.
• For spicier spices like cumin or caraway, start off with 1/8 teaspoon and increase according to taste.