Coaching Cooking

Hah! I mean, “Party Girl” and falafel sandwiches….or as AB says, “Don’t eat too many or you’ll falafel.” Yak yak yak…
“Party Girl” is an obscure Parker Posey vehicle from the mid-90s. It features Ms. Posey as a crazy party girl who suddenly finds herself broke and working as a library clerk. Along the way she meets Mustafa, the Lebanese man of her dreams who also sells her favorite falafel from his street cart near the library. Of course this movie ends with love, catharsis and delicious falafel.

Falafel sandwiches are my favorite street food aside from burritos. The crunch and salty tang of the chick peas and herbs plus the creaminess of the hummus.

Where does falafel come from, you ask? This food has a contentious history. According to Jodi Kantor from the New York Times, in her article “A History of the Mideast in the Humble Chickpea,” both Israelis and Palestinians have debated where the original falafel comes from. In fact, Israel tauts falafel as “Israel’s National Snack”–a contention rigorously debated by both parties. I won’t drown you with all the historical details, but Kantor makes it clear that food is another component of cultural conflicts, albeit a tasty one. Regardless of origin, I find falafel is both delicious and interesting given its apparent “biblical” origins (check out Kantor’s article at nytimes.com…it’s a Times Select article, but it’s definitely fascinating for those foodies who enjoy a little history with their supper).

I’ve never made falafel at home. I imagine that it becomes easier the more you cook it. Also, it seems like a great meal for inviting friends over. Set out platters of the falafel, sliced red onion, lettuce and sprouts plus hummus and tahini sauces. Arrange a plate full of halved pita bread. I always like pairing falafel sandwiches with a citrusy drink like Orangina, orange soda (pick your favorite) or simply lemonade or water with lemon. A platter of fresh fruit such as oranges, figs, apples and grapes (or anything you like) would also add a lavish and healthy touch.

Set out the food and crank up the Party Girl!

Recipes:

About.com has a thorough walk-through on the falafel scene.

indianchild.com has a vegetarian recipe for falafel.

Joan Nathan, a cookbook author featured in Jodi Kantor’s article on the chickpea and falafel, includes her favorite Israeli falafel recipe here at epicurious.com.