Syrians have been always known for their public dishes connected to their legacy; falafel is one of that famous food. This is localy and world wide known for its delicious taste and nice shape that satusfies the old and the young. Despite the argue of its origion where some believe that it has come from the Levant (Syria, Lebanon and Palestine) . It is one of the most lovely dishes where it is cheap and mostly prepared for breakfast.
“Abo Abed Alrahman ” talked about the way to prepare it in Idleb liberated city: “It is made of Chick-peas and dry Legume that are Soaked in water for very long time, almost for twelve hours. After that , it is put in a colander in order to be grind in s grinder of meat where some onion and garlic are also grinded and added to the mixture besides peper, salt.Then it is fried in hot oil after shaping it using iron tools specially made for this kind of food. After being fried it is covered with seseam and sumac just to make it more delicious”.
Due to deteriorated economy in Syria since war has been taking place for five years, falafel has become the most required food specially among the poor who gather around its restaurants for being looking for Legume that are rich with iron and protein because they can not afford expensive meat kinds ; Abo Marwan said: ” I depend on buying falafel and not sandwiches of falafel since sandwiches contain some extra foodstuff such Yoghurt and salads and that is why a sandwich costs 200 Syrian pounds. My family is of five members which is too much for me to afford where I earn only 500 pounds aday… ah.. falafel and tomato are enough besides pickles made at home.. thanks Allah .. May Allah aid us .. in comparison with people besieged by regime, we are all fine.”
Raafet , aged 25 years old, said: “My arrested father -may God release him from prison-have taught me how to made falafel. I am working in his own restaurant of Falafel; I put four pieces of falafel on a loaf of bread then smash them then I add salad made of tomato, cucumber, parsley and pickles. After that I roll the loaf . Usually it is eaten with sour or piquancy.. I count on Allah to earn my living and my brother’s”.
The rise of prices for first foodstuff expensiveness like Chick-peas, oil and even gas cylinder which negatively affects the Syria citizens who find difficulty even in buying the basic Syrian dishes .. Raafet said: “May Allah have mercy on us the Syrians.. what can the poor eat , behind doors there are families only Allah knows about their circumstances”.
by Bayan Alahmad
Translated by Sabah Najem
#Syrian_Press_Center
Falafel .. The Public Dish in Syria; People Depend on in Liberated Territories
