makes about 12 balls, serves 2 or 4.

INGREDIENTS:

1 can [225g] cooked chickpeas
1 small onion
5 cloves garlic
handful finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 tbsp cumin powder
1 tsp ground coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp smoked paprika powder
1 tsp dried crushed chillies
1 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp flour
100g wholegrain couscous
handful of fresh thyme
juice and zest of 1 small lemon

Combine the chickpeas, garlic and onion in a food processor and blend to a thick paste. Scoop out into a bowl and mix in the parsley, cumin, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, smoked paprika powder and the crushed chillies. Add the baking powder and flour and combine well. Form the mixture into small balls, and preferably chill in the fridge for at least one hour. Heat some oil in a large saucepan or wok and shallow fry the falafel balls until brown and crispy. You can also bake them in the oven for a healthier recipe. To make the couscous, add an equal volume of hot water to the couscous and cover for 15 minutes until steamed. Separate the grains with a fork and add the fresh thyme, lemon juice and zest. Serve the falafel with salad and tahini dipping sauce.