1. Soak chick peas in water overnight. Drain when ready to use.

2. Combine beans, onions, garlic, parsley and hot peppers in food processor or blender. Grind twice. Do not puree.

3. Add salt, pepper, cumin and baking powder. Mix thoroughly.

4. When ready to make, add the baking soda and mix until well blended.

5. Shape into patties about 1.5 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch in thickness. Or use a falafel tool. Lay the patties on wax paper.

6. In a large frying pan, or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil about 1 inch high. When hot carefully slide some patties into the oil.

7. Fry on both sides until light brown and crisp. Remove with metal slotted spoon or tongs and drain on paper towels.

8. Serve it with tahini sauce. parsley, tomatoes, chopped radishes and lettuce in a pita bread sandwich. In some regions, the falafel is prepared with dried and soaked fava beans or a mixture of fava beans and chick peas.  Some cooks add a little chopped garlic to the mixture as well as chopped cilantro.  You can experiment with some of these options and make your very own. 

Enjoy this wonderful Middle Eastern Vegetarian dish as an appetizer to any meal or as a light dinner any day!