Falafel (Deep Fried Fava Beans or Chickpeas)

2 cups dried fava beans or chick peas
1 medium onion, chopped finely
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon, cayenne pepper
Salt
Pepper
Flour
Oil

Soak the beans or chickpeas in water overnight. Drain. (If you use fava beans that are not skinless, remove the skins.) Mash the beans or peas into a fine paste in a blender. Add the onion, parsley, egg, garlic, coriander, cumin, cayenne, baking soda, salt and pepper. Mix well in the blender. Let the mixture stand for 1/2 hour in the refrigerator.

Shape into small (1-inch) balls. Dust with flour.

Heat oil in a deep pan or use a deep fryer. Cook a few balls at a time, turning them until they are crisp and golden brown (approximately 5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.

Serve while hot with Tahini or wrapped inside pita bread with sauce and lettuce.

Yields 30 to 35 balls.