Falafel

This recipe is largely based on one in Cooks Illustrated.  It is very authentic and fantastic.  Different options would include substituting fava beans for all or part of the chickpeas.

Tahini Sauce
1/2	cup tahini (sesame seed paste, it usually comes in a tin)
1/4	cup juice from 2 lemons
1/2	cup water
2	medium garlic cloves (about 2 teaspoons), minced or pressed through a garlic press Salt For a richer sauce (it is very rich already, you could add up to 1/2 c. olive oil instead of the water and some cumin (3/4 t.))
Falafel
6	ounces dried chickpeas (1 cup), rinsed, picked over, and soaked overnight in water to cover by an inch
5	scallions , chopped coarse
1/2	cup packed fresh parsley leaves
1/2	cup packed fresh cilantro leaves (could substitute spinach for a different twist)
3	medium garlic cloves (about 1 tablespoon), minced or pressed through a garlic press
1	teaspoon salt
1/2	teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4	teaspoon ground cumin
1/8	teaspoon ground cinnamon
2	quarts vegetable oil , for frying

INSTRUCTIONS

1. 1. For the tahini sauce: Process all of the ingredients in a food processor until smooth, about 20 seconds. Season with salt to taste and set aside. (The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature and stir to combine before serving.)
2. 2. For the falafel: Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 200 degrees. Drain the chickpeas, discarding the soaking liquid. Process all of the ingredients except for the oil in a food processor until smooth, about 1 minute, scraping down the bowl as needed. Form the mixture into 1 tablespoon-sized disks, about 1/2 inch thick and 1 inch wide, and arrange on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. (The falafel can be refrigerated at this point for up to 2 hours.)
3. 3. Heat the oil in a 5-quart large Dutch over medium-high heat to 375 degrees. (Use an instant-read thermometer that registers high temperatures or clip a candy/deep-fat thermometer onto the side of the pan.) Fry half of the falafel, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat as needed to maintain 375 degrees, until deep brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet using a slotted spoon or wire spider and keep warm in the oven. Return the oil to 375 degrees and repeat with the remaining falafel. Serve immediately with the sauce.
   
   
   Serve with lettuce, tomatoes and onion in a pita!