So probably you know about the delectable croquetas of Spain served in Glen Waverley restaurants, don’t you? Or perhaps the different fritter versions from across the world? What’s not to love? They are little bite-sized pieces full of flavor. It’s so good that finishing a platter full of them is highly likely. No shame to admit, everyone’s guilty of that.
However, have you ever heard of falafel? Does it even ring a bell? Alright, you might think it’s another fancy dish served at a Michelin-rated restaurant downtown. You are wrong. It may sound fancy but it’s one of the simplest yet most delectable dishes you can ever try. In fact, it’s so big in the Middle East that it’s slowly but surely making its way to becoming mainstream, thanks to some Glen Waverley restaurants.
What makes the falafel different from all other fritters or finger foods available out there? Well, aside from its unique flavor, the falafel is considered very healthy and nutritious. It has a host of wonderful nutritional values that will make any health buff shout for joy. And, the surprise doesn’t end there. The falafel is also easy to make at home. So, if you are looking for a nutritious snack without the hassles of intense and complicated preparation, the falafel may be your best bet.
First thing’s first, what is a falafel? Here’s the lowdown on what the falafel is
Brief Background
The falafel is a common dish consumed mainly in the Middle East. Because it is easy to make and prepare, it has become a popular street food in this part of the world.
Characteristics
It is similar to the croquetas of Spain. It is a deep-fried ball or can even be shaped like a patty. Actually, if you are a little bit adventurous, it can be shaped to anything. However, as tradition would dictate it, better form it into bite-sized balls for easy eating.
Main Ingredients
Instead of using potatoes (which is a common ingredient for most fritters), the falafel uses the following:
– Chickpeas
– Fava beans
For more flavor, the following may be added:
– Onion
– Parsley
– Cilantro
– Pepper (Jalapeno, if you want it with zing)
– Garlic
– Salt
Ever noticed something from the list of ingredients? If you figured out the absence of any kind of meat, then you got that right. For the vegans or vegetarians out there, you got another dish to add to your list.
On to business, why is the falafel considered healthy?
Falafel Nutritional Facts and Details
Not known to many, the falafel is packed with nutrients compared to other similar dishes. For a 100-gram serving of about 6 balls or patties, these have the following nutritional components:
Small amounts of micronutrients such as:
– Niacin
– Vitamin B5
– Calcium
Calories- 333
Protein- 13.3 grams
Carbohydrates- 31.8 grams
Fiber: 4.9 grams
Fats- 17.8 grams
Recommended Daily Value Percentage
Vitamin B6– 94% of Daily Value (helps to store energy from consumed protein and carbohydrates)
Manganese- 30% of Daily Value (plays an essential role in helping protein and amino acid digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates)
Copper- 29% of Daily Value (helps in maintaining a healthy metabolism and keeps the nervous system’s function in check)
Folate- 26% of Daily Value (aids in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy which is significantly important during pregnancy and adolescence)
Magnesium- 20% of Daily Value (aids in the regulation of overall muscle and nerve function)
Iron- 19% of Daily Value (of course, many people know that iron is a key factor in promoting healthy blood)
Phosphorus- 15% of Daily Value (functions as a key nutrient in the proper formation and development of the teeth and bones)
Zinc- 14% of Daily Value (given the current global situation, zinc is essential in fighting off bacteria and different kinds of viruses for an improved immune system)
Riboflavin- 13% of Daily Value (it helps in maintaining and controlling the body’s energy supply as it converts carbohydrates to ATP or adenosine triphosphate)
Practical reasons why Falafel is one of the healthiest dishes out there
Basing it on the nutritional components of the falafel, it is obviously one healthy dish. However, it is best to dig deeper into it for better understanding. This is needed as the falafel is not a popular dish yet. Further education about the falafel is somehow required to get to know it a little bit more.
Even after giving a good description of what falafel is, some may still be hesitant to try it. People may still think it’s one of the dishes that may come across as intimidating based on how unfamiliar its name is.
Here are some of the reasons why the falafel is considered a healthy dish, one that you can enjoy without unnecessary guilt.
High Protein and Fiber Content
Okay, to review, what are the main ingredients of falafel?
Chickpeas and/or fava beans, right? So, these are considered legumes. Legumes are among the most common sources of fiber. It comes teeming with fiber content as the pineapple and other fibrous fruits and vegetables.
To also refer to the nutritional value previously mentioned, the falafel is rich in protein- all 13.3 grams of it! So, what does protein do to the body, you may ask? Well, more than anything else, it helps with the promotion of better muscle growth and strength. If you are particularly bulking up or wanting to develop your muscles, then the falafel is a good dish to munch on.
Teeming with Vitamins and Minerals
From Vitamin B6 to Riboflavin and all others in between, it’s undeniable that the falafel is good for you. These vitamins and minerals promote healthier blood, better muscle growth, and development, boost the immune system, control and maintain energy supply and many more.
The falafel is full of flavor yet loaded with everything you need to be healthier. Pair it with exercise and other forms of physical activities and you are surely on your way to achieving a better and healthier version of yourself.
Low Calories, Less Guilt
333 calories for 6 patties? Can things get any better? Know that the falafel is packed with chickpeas and/or fava beans and other flavorful ingredients. This means one patty or ball is never shy of ingredients. Having six of these patties are enough to get you filled.
Imagine feeling full without being guilty of adding a lot more calories to your day. Awesome, isn’t it? This just one of the benefits you’d get for having falafel. However, it can be enjoyed on its own or as a pita filling. As such, the caloric content increases. But, it’s always better to start with a lower number so there’s still more room to groove, so to speak.
Low in Sodium
There is nothing wrong with salt in your diet. However, too much of something is bad. Too much salt in your diet makes you bloat as it contributes to water retention. Also, it is bad for the kidneys. A lot of salt in your diet may make kidney stones form and you certainly won’t want that.
While salt is used to give the falafel some flavor, it is used conservatively. Other ingredients such as peppers, herbs, and spices already give the falafel its unique and distinct flavor. Adding too much salt to it will significantly alter the flavor balance of the dish.
Where to have falafel?
This may come a little bit challenging. Since falafel is not so known yet, its availability may come a little bit limited. Thankfully, Mediterranean/Greek restaurants are somehow going strong in terms of their presence in different parts of the world. Since falafel is a popular dish in the Mediterranean, most of these restaurants should have it as part of their menu.
If you are interested, search for the best Glen Waverley restaurants in the area and ask if they serve the falafel. While there, ask the restaurant folks for more information about it. It’s a perfect opportunity to get to know more about it and other great Mediterranean dishes. Truth be told, Mediterranean/Greek cuisine is collectively known as one of the healthiest in the world.
Should you wish to bring out your inner culinary connoisseur, making the falafel at home is also another option. There are several videos and other online content demonstrating the beauty of making the falafel. It only has few ingredients and the preparation is fuss-free. Well, nothing beats having it at an authentic Mediterranean or Greek restaurant, however, it also won’t hurt if you give it your own unique twist.
In conclusion
Healthy dishes come in many forms. However, many people know that such dishes are usually the boring and less flavorful kind. The falafel dispels this myth. Not all healthy dishes are bland. Like the falafel, dishes that are good for you can also be flavorful and tasty.
The falafel (and the other Mediterranean or Greek dishes) is straightforward and simple. It does not rely on too many ingredients to make it stand out. Its main ingredients do the trick with the aid of a few other herbs and spices, and that’s it. No fussing. No hassle. It’s what you see is what you get.
Though lacking in terms of recall, the falafel makes it up for the health benefits it is packed with. Anyway, soon it shall become as known as its famous cousins like the croquetas of Spain. Until then, you can enjoy the falafel in one of your favorite restaurants. Better yet, try it when you are fortunate enough to visit the Middle East or other lovely Mediterranean cities.