The main ingredient in the Middle Eastern dish falafel is chickpeas. Falafel is a popular street food and snack made by grinding soaked or cooked chickpeas (or fava beans) and mixing them with herbs, spices, and onion. The mixture is then shaped into balls or patties and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Falafel is typically served in pita bread, alongside salads, pickles, and various sauces like tahini or garlic sauce. This plant-based dish is commonly enjoyed in vegan and vegetarian diets and has gained global popularity due to its delicious flavor and nutritious content.