Among the foods that are a staple of Mediterranean cuisine is falafel, and if you love Mediterranean food, you should learn the origins of the falafel. Falafel has been a popular dish worldwide. It is a food that you can find in many Mediterranean restaurants in Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, and any other major cities in the United States.
The origins of the falafel can be traced back to Egypt, which is located between Africa and the Middle East. Egyptians are said to eat falafels every day. In fact, falafels are considered their national dish. Falafels reached North America and Germany in the 20th century.
Falafels are made from chickpeas or fava beans, which are mixed with herbs and spices, such as cilantro, parsley, cayenne pepper, cumin seed, and coriander seed.
Falafels are healthy, and among the health benefits that one can get from falafels include:
- Good digestion
- Improved muscle development
- Controlled cholesterol levels
- Controlled blood pressure
In addition, falafels are rich in soluble fiber, protein, calcium, zinc, and potassium as well as low in calories, low in sodium, and a good source of healthy fats. Most falafels are also good for vegetarian diets.
It’s important to note that all falafels are not the same, despite the origins of the falafel having a very specific recipe. There are some that are healthy and there are also some that aren’t, and that depends on how it’s made and cooked. For instance, if falafels are cooked in a high-fat oil, then it’s not the healthiest falafel you’ll be able to find.
How to Eat Falafels Las Vegas Style
Falafels can be eaten as a snack, but they can also go well with pita bread and can be a substitute for burger patties. Falafels can also be mixed with salad and can be an additional ingredient for main courses.
Moreover, falafels are already flavorful by themselves, but you can improve the taste by adding hummus, yogurt, or tahini sauce, or by adding other ingredients into the falafel mixture.