Iraqi Falafel with Samoon Bread
What is Falafel?
Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. This staple food in the Middle East is particularly popular in Iraq, where it is often served with fresh vegetables and pickles, making it a perfect grab-and-go meal. Iraqi falafel stands out for its use of flavorful spices such as cumin and coriander, and it is typically crisp on the outside while tender and moist on the inside.
What is Samoon?
Samoon is a type of Iraqi bread that is distinguished by its unique diamond shape and soft, airy texture. This yeast-based bread has a crisp outer crust and a light, fluffy interior, making it an ideal companion to falafel. Its slightly chewy texture complements the crunch of the falafel, providing the perfect balance in every bite. Samoon is baked in traditional tandoor ovens, which give it its signature crust.
Ingredients for Iraqi Falafel
To make authentic Iraqi falafel at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chickpeas (2 cups): Soaked overnight, providing the base for the falafel mixture.
Onion (1 large): Adds moisture and flavor to the falafel.
Garlic (4-5 cloves): Essential for enhancing the savory flavor.
Fresh parsley (1 cup): Adds a fresh, herby note.
Cumin (2 teaspoons): Provides warmth and a slightly nutty flavor, typical of Iraqi falafel.
Ground coriander (1 teaspoon): Complements the cumin and adds depth to the taste.
Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Hot and ready for deep frying the falafel balls.
Preparation of Iraqi Falafel
1. Soak the Chickpeas: Begin by soaking the chickpeas in water overnight. This ensures they are soft enough to blend easily.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. Be careful not to over-process, as you want some texture to remain.
3. Rest the Mixture: Add the baking powder to the mixture and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help firm up the mixture and make it easier to form into balls.
4. Shape the Falafel: Form the mixture into small balls or patties using your hands or a falafel scoop.
5. Fry the Falafel: Heat the oil to 180°C (350°F) and fry the falafel balls until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes per batch.
Ingredients for Samoon Bread
Making samoon bread from scratch requires the following ingredients:
Flour (4 cups): All-purpose flour works well for the dough.
Water (1 ½ cups): Lukewarm water helps activate the yeast.
Yeast (1 tablespoon): Instant yeast to make the dough rise.
Sugar (1 tablespoon): Helps activate the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to the bread.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture to the dough.
Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water): Gives the bread a shiny, golden crust.
Preparation of Samoon Bread
1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, mix the lukewarm water with the yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add the flour, salt, and vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Samoon: After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a diamond shape by flattening the dough slightly and pinching the ends.
5. Bake the Samoon: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Brush each piece of dough with egg wash to give it a golden crust. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
How to Serve Falafel with Samoon
Once you’ve made your falafel and samoon bread, it’s time to assemble your meal. Iraqi falafel is typically served by stuffing it into the soft pockets of the samoon, along with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions. For an authentic taste, don’t forget to drizzle some amba (pickled mango sauce) over the top.
You can also add pickled vegetables, like turnips or cucumbers, for an extra tangy crunch. The combination of the crispy falafel with the soft samoon and the sharp, tangy flavors of the pickles and amba creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why Samoon is Perfect for Falafel
Samoon bread’s soft and airy texture makes it the ideal vehicle for falafel. Its lightness allows it to soak up the flavors of the sauces without becoming soggy, and its crust provides just the right amount of resistance, creating a satisfying bite with every mouthful. While falafel is often served with pita in other parts of the Middle East, samoon offers a more substantial, yet equally delicious, alternative.