Tamiya

Tamiya

Tamiya (Egyptian falafel) features crunchy, golden fried patties made from broad beans and a fresh herb and spice blend. These delightful fritters are perfect as a meze or nestled in pita bread with fresh salad and tahina.

Vegetarian

Prep Time

480 min

Cook Time

10 min

Servings

6

Tamiya, also known as Egyptian falafel, is a beloved street food with roots deep in Egyptian culture. Unlike the chickpea-based falafel found elsewhere, this recipe uses hearty broad beans, also called fava beans, lending a wonderfully creamy interior texture contrasted by a crisp, golden crust. The blend of aromatic herbs and warm spices like cumin, cayenne, and coriander creates a vibrant and fragrant taste profile. This dish carries historical significance as a popular staple for breakfast or snacks across Egypt, often enjoyed with tangy tahina sauce, fresh tomato-cucumber salad, and fluffy pita bread. The process of soaking, peeling, and grinding the beans by hand or food processor connects cooks to traditional methods passed down through generations. Tamiya pairs beautifully with tangy yogurt dips, fresh herbs like mint or parsley, and pickled vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meze platter or a satisfying vegetarian meal. Its crunchy exterior and soft interior delight the palate with each bite, inviting you to savor the simplicity and depth of Middle Eastern flavors.

Ingredients

  • 3 cup Broad Beans
  • 6 Spring Onions
  • 4 Garlic Clove
  • 0.25 cup Parsley
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • Spinkling Flour
  • As required Vegetable Oil

Instructions

Begin by soaking the broad beans in enough water to cover them completely, allowing them to soften overnight. This step is essential to achieving the ideal texture for the patties. Once soaked, drain the beans thoroughly. If you find the skins still intact, gently rub the beans between your hands to loosen and remove the skins, discarding them. Dry the beans carefully by patting them with a clean towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the mixture bind better. Next, grind the dried beans using a food mill or meat grinder to create a coarse paste. If these tools aren't available, pulse the beans in a food processor just enough to form a textured paste; be cautious not to over-blend, as a batter that's too smooth can disintegrate during frying. Transfer the bean paste into a bowl and stir in finely chopped spring onions, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and the fragrant spices: cumin, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and coriander if desired. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the baking powder to activate, contributing to a lighter texture. When ready, shape the chilled mixture into 1-inch diameter balls, then gently press each to flatten slightly. Lightly coat each patty with a sprinkling of flour, which aids in creating a crisp exterior. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to a depth of about 1½ inches and maintain the temperature at 365°F (185°C) for perfect frying. Fry the patties in batches, turning them once to ensure an even, golden-brown crust develops on all sides. This process should take about 5 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove the patties using a wire mesh skimmer or slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm as part of a meze spread or inside pita bread, accompanied by a fresh tomato-cucumber salad and creamy tahina sauce for an authentic Egyptian culinary experience.

Quick Info

Prep Time
480 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
490 min
Servings
6