Refika, My grandma lived in Jerusalem on the main street in a large corner apartment that overlooked a small side street which had a small falafel restaurant on it. From her window on the top floor, she had a perfect view of the oil in the large pan where they fried the falafels. I live in the US, and when I visited her and wanted one of their falafel sandwiches, my grandma would go over to that window, and if she saw that the oil that they were using was fresh, she would let me get a sandwich. That was in 1963 when I was 10 years old. I have been chasing the quality of that extraordinary falafel ever since and I never found anything that matched it...until now. You have brought back such all encompassing sensory memories for me and I THANK YOU from my heart. I pray for your country AND ours. We live in terrible times and you are a shining light that is bringing a lot of people together through a communal love of food and culture and love. Kisses on your head, as my grandma used to say❣️

@BQawaQ

3 жыл бұрын

you too deserve all the love from the Universe. We will heal, with our art, creativity, food, music, anything coming fro the heart with love. Trust humanity!!!!

@minebosman2809

3 жыл бұрын

In Turkey, the elderly ‘kiss from the eyes’ of young ones. I mean not physically. It’s just a saying. I like your grandma’s version too. Much love from the Netherlands.💐

@annfernakerpan6654

3 жыл бұрын

Lovely memory for you xx

@alinajafi4644

3 жыл бұрын

Picture it 1922 Sicily...A beautiful peasant girl with the olive skin , a pizza dough recipe and a dream meets the sweet talker pepperoni salesman from the other village .... I say no more 🤐

@nechamah613

3 жыл бұрын

Great story!

I love how you lace your videos with historical information 👌🏼🩵

I appreciate the amount of information that Refika gives to her audience so they understand the reason why she does the things she does. LIke, do the overnight soak, its better and I'll show you why, and then she shows the two types of falafel mixes and you see it immediately. I love that kind of teaching! She is a very fine Teacher!

@melatomic

4 ай бұрын

Agree with this excellent comment. Coffee filter is genius.

@mvincent62

4 ай бұрын

Totally agree! The amount of oil, how to test the oil if you don't have that device - brilliant, how to shape it with your hand using that finger motion, the quick salad, the 2 types of plating...gosh, I learned so much! Oh, I was wondering about the leftover oil, and she had a tip for that, too.

I like your brisk delivery and editing. Very nice to listen to your great recipes.

I bloody LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this woman. She knows her stuff and her little explanations are invaluable to taking the dish to the next level. I’ve cooked *many* of her recipes, been introduced to new ingredients and gained a lot of confidence in the kitchen. We’re having a “Turkish feast” this weekend, everything from this AMAZING woman’s repertoire. Thank You so much! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

@rahmahdalhat8484

3 жыл бұрын

any recommendations

@jeanh2288

3 жыл бұрын

And she’s interesting to watch because she explains everything so thoroughly… She tells us why things are the way they are

@FerdaGonca

3 жыл бұрын

@@rahmahdalhat8484 I like her recipe for tavuk doner(chicken gyro) I freeze them in small bags and take them out an hour before dinner, cook them later and make a wrap. My family loves it, it is so yummy and practical when I am in a hurry.

@jbrn4500

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeanh2288 And she's real...hey if you don't have this tool use this thingy, if you don't have this spice don't worry...oops made a mistake, sorry. She cooks like we all do when at home...she cooks for the family, and for the community of it...not necessarily for the chef's table. She also eats her own food like a regular human being...with gusto...not from a tasting spoon. I love that!

@jeanh2288

3 жыл бұрын

@@jbrn4500 yes!!! I’m a total fan.

This is what vegetarian dreams are made of! Thank you for the inspiration and good luck.

@aycanur9425

3 жыл бұрын

@@ayselangley3845 ayşe ne diyosun ayşe beni delirtme mis gibi iş yapıyor kadın

@zehralort

Жыл бұрын

​@@ayselangley3845pardon ama sizin Ingilizce anlamadiğiniz çok belki.

@zehralort

Жыл бұрын

I am really sorry I don't usually go back and forth on comments, but you are so wrong and so completely arrogant in what you are emplying that I feel compelled to just give you a few examples how you are mistaken. You say you do not know why she is celebrating, which is quite intriguing as she is quite clear that it is the large number of views she has had on her video on how to make hummus. And yes, it is correct English to refer to the tougher parts of the stalks of parsley as 'woody'. So please, before you criticise, make sure you have your facts correct or maybe just don't criticise as this is a cooking channel and not meant as an ESL lesson.

@ayselangley3845

Жыл бұрын

@@zehralort Have a nice day.cinamon wood.😊

Refika, just a tip for you. When I do falafel, I usually put the greens and onion first in the food processor bowl and then add the beans. Thus, the greens get minced nicely as the weight of the beans help them mince 🌷🇬🇧🌷 Maria

@larsedik

7 ай бұрын

I do the same - it is only logical!

@YasharH-kh1mg

3 ай бұрын

Great idea!! Thank you

I’m Syrian and not surprised, Turkish cooks are always surpassed others in the region for a reason 👍🏽 the sis did everything perfectly

Im Lebanese and I’ve been making your hummus (sorry mom) I am not surprised you’ve reached over 1mm viewers! Your hummus recipe it’s AMAZING!

@juanitaschlink2028

3 жыл бұрын

Yup. I love it, and my husband who never liked or ate hummus, is now a convert and it's the only hummus he eats. Which is good, I guess but now that's less for me 🤣

@michellepellegrini1271

3 жыл бұрын

Love ❤️

@souvik200

3 жыл бұрын

I follow her hummus recipe, it's awesome.

@jbrn4500

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you said it...I was thinking of trying it and now I definitely will. I do question one thing. If the hummus is not served immediately does the ice break down and make it runny?

@Ricardoelhawi

3 жыл бұрын

@@jbrn4500 Yeah, it will make it nice and creamier!

❤Refika,I'm Greek 🇬🇷 and I love cooking your recipes, and the compliments I received are all due to you...Thanking you kindly.....🧡💛from South Africa 🇿🇦

@zadeizm

3 жыл бұрын

Greetings, Neighbour...

@321suomi

2 жыл бұрын

Our best neighbour ❤️

You are one of the most charming and wholesome cooks on the internet and all of your recipes are amazing! Thank you for your efforts to give us great recipes❤

Just wanted to comment how much I love your recipes and your channel. I haven’t made the meat based ones as I’m vegan, but I must say you’re one of the best food channels out there ! Your energy, the quality of your recipes and the amount of details and précisions you always give us are amazing. This is true generosity in the kitchen. Also, your hummus is the best ever and people are always amazed when I bring it somewhere 😁😁😇🥰

@reginaschwartz4524

10 ай бұрын

More vegan recipes, please

I was stationed in Turkey back in 06 and ever since then I have been yearning for some good Turkish food. I miss everything the falafels, the flat bread, the chicken tava, the tea. Most of all though I miss the hospitality, the people, and the wonderful cultural experience. It was such a beautiful, and wonderful country and I truly hope to go back again some day but as a civilian.

@clairewright8153

3 жыл бұрын

What is chicken tava ?? I think I have to goggle this

Thank you, Refika, for showing the comparison between the finished falafel when chickpeas are soaked overnight and using the pressure cooker. This attention to detail is one of the (many) things that sets you apart from others! 🧡

@heersyal2454

3 жыл бұрын

I appreciated that, too, as I had no idea about any of that

@IMJwhoRU

3 жыл бұрын

I thought that was great as well. I was hoping she would also mention canned (tinned) chickpeas. I thought that was what she would cover when she mentioned a fast version.

@IMJwhoRU

3 жыл бұрын

@@moniquem783 Thank you!

@jbrn4500

3 жыл бұрын

That was an eye-opener for me too!

@nancydisney1274

2 жыл бұрын

@@IMJwhoRU 🤣🤣🤣

Love how clear your instructions are. It looks very delicious.

I just got a food processor as a Christmas gift, and your falafel recipe was one of the first things I used it for. I ate them on pita with diced cucumber, yogurt, and sumac, and they were delicious. Thank you for sharing these delicious recipes.

What an AWESOME tip of the filter for shaping falafels

This woman is changing my life, one recipe at a time!

I made these today for the first time. And had never eaten them before. They are so wonderful. I made a tatziki sauce to go with it. Oh my, thanks for the recipe. I also formed the balls with my hand using a full teaspoon for the measurements. There’s no need for a falafel maker or anything else. The demonstration you gave is perfect.

I like your accent. You are so positive and with good humor. I have a pleasure to watch your recipes. Thank you 😊

I grew up in the Middle East (Kuwait!) and Falafel sandwiches were a Friday tradition after church. Been a few years since I left the country and not a day goes by when I don’t think of Arabic food. Thank you, Refika for teaching us through these videos that it’s possible for us to cook restaurant-quality food in our own kitchens! Love your spirit and the way you explain WHY you do what you do. You are AMAZING! Keep going! You’re doing so well! ❤️

@reaborcherds125

Жыл бұрын

Making this asap.

I just like to listen to Rafika, especially when she speaks Turkish words 😌🥰

@gokhanaltnkus880

3 жыл бұрын

🇵🇱❤🇹🇷

@mariamabdeali32

3 жыл бұрын

Me too! 😍

@AmyPatel

3 жыл бұрын

I agree 😀

There is such love in your offerings. Even the language you use to gather together these incredible recipes is closer to a spiritual and relational poetry. Food is so sacred and you honour that in the way you share. I just finished making your Turkish Pide--7 different kinds--for friends, and it was an incredible hit!!! I know this Falafel recipe will be elegant and deeply nourishing. Thank you. Once i made falafel using a small amount of Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian spiced butter) in the frying process and it was other worldly and decadent. A gift to find you and your way with food/medicine/culture.

What a beautiful joy you and your channel is! THANK YOU! xxxxxx

Turkey has an ancient and glorious history...she will survive through her people...people like you Refika!

@theyoungwolfstudio

2 жыл бұрын

She?

@MrAjay51

2 жыл бұрын

Glorious history of killing Areminians

@lisaharrod8386

2 жыл бұрын

@@theyoungwolfstudio yes.

@lisaharrod8386

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrAjay51 as with every other culture on the planet, violence is a part of the history of Turkey...

@MrAjay51

2 жыл бұрын

@@lisaharrod8386 you wouldn't consider someone glorious if they are violent to you or your family, would you. Same way what is the glory when all that they did was mass murder. I think you are someone who thinks slave trade by the British is also part of their glorious past.

Turkey is in my heart thoughts all the time now that I have been hanging out in your kitchen...it’s a small world.

I'm anxious to try this recipe (I'll do today)! I'm Brazilian and a lover of Arabic vegan food! 😍

Cela fait moins d'une semaine que j'ai découvert votre chaîne et que je me suis abonné. Bien que mon anglais soit mauvais, je visionne vos vidéos avec le plus grand plaisir. J'adore vos recettes , vos gestes et vos explications. J'adore cuisiner et ai un grand faible pour la cuisine turc, autant vous dire que j'ai hâte de m'y mettre. Alors, pour l'amour de la bonne cuisine, pour l'amour de la Turquie, pour l'amour du partage, mille mercis à vous qui me faites vraiment voyager.

The falafel looks great but I’ve decided “tikir tikir” is my new favorite description. ♥️

Over 1.5 million views for her hummus video! I complemented her on one of her videos and within 2 days I got a warm thank you. She is a talented chef and has class.

Hello from Canada 🇨🇦 This is the first time I have watched your video. I will continue to watch your videos. Love falafels. Peace and love to you and your loved ones. ❤🤗

This is the best falafel recipe I ve ever tried! I ve just become a legend within the family! Thank you, Refikacim ❤

Ülkeyi turizm bakanından daha iyi tanıtan kadın, selam olsun..

@nagihanhatipoglu5968

3 жыл бұрын

@@hade7260 sadece falafel yapmıyor ki...

@nagihanhatipoglu5968

3 жыл бұрын

@@hade7260 adam geniş zamanda konuşmuş. Siz ne diye falafel ile ilgili laf giydirme derdindesiniz ki

@nagihanhatipoglu5968

3 жыл бұрын

@@hade7260 bence konu güzel yorum yapan birine gereksiz laf sokma çabanız. Ayrıca banane ne ya 5 yaşında gibi.

@nagihanhatipoglu5968

3 жыл бұрын

@@hade7260 beyfendinin yorumunun muhattabı da siz değilsiniz. Size ne?

@yigitjpeg7315

3 жыл бұрын

@@hade7260 Yemekleri ve kültürleri tek bir yere atfetmeye çalışmak yerine hepsinin bir kültür birikimi olduğunu kabul etsek keşke. Rakı ouzo adında Yunanistan'da içiliyorsa, Ortadoğunun her yerinde kebap, kısır, künefe türevleri yapılıyorsa kimse kimseden çaldığı için değil bu topraklardaki kültür alışverişindendir. Falafel de Lübnan'dan diye biliniyor olabilir ama bu ülkede de yapıldığı ve farklı yorumlar getirildiği gerçeğini değiştirmez. Kaldı ki, Türkiye ortadoğu ile kültür alışverişinde bulunduğu kadar aslında bir kısmı da ortadoğunun parçasıdır.

You are the best food blogger I’ve found from all over the world. You really go into detail and tell us how to avoid any mistakes. Thank you!

You are the best we all LOVE your amazing recipes💕Thank you for sharing them with us👍🏻

Every time I make falafel, I come back to watch this video, because all of your tips make an enormous different in the taste. Everybody who eats them praises them as the best they've had. Thank you!

I made falafel last night using this recipe. I was skeptical about the clove and cinnamon but Refika has never steered me wrong in any recipe or technique so I used 3 cloves and 3 pinches of cinnamon. Wow 🤩 this is the best falafel recipe! Never doubt the Refika and her team. Thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏 thank you 🙏 😻❤️😍

@arlindall.6976

Жыл бұрын

Hi 😊 Are the ingredients enough for 4 people? Thank you 🌸

You are the reason your channel is so successful! You are so cute and personable. I probably will never make this, but I just love watching and listening to you. Love from Oregon USA

I love your cooking, which is simple and sophisticated.

I appreciate your attitude towards sustainability. A great and easy recipe.

I've got chick peas soaking as I watch this - tomorrow I feast on falafel! I love your channel Refika.

Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes. I especially like the thin strips of meat oven toasted with cheese. I use it often.

I'm so glad I found you!!! You're a natural teacher. Phenomenal video format!!

You talked me into using soaked chickpeas even though I want to make this recipe immediately. Sending love to Turkey!

Seeing Refika once a week, feels like spouse returning after millitary service. Its such a delight

@Refika

3 жыл бұрын

One of the best words one has ever told me thank you sooo soo much..

@SR-te2db

3 жыл бұрын

We salute your spouse

I will certainly try your recipe,looks so yummy.

Hey Refika I tried your falafel recipe and I want to thank you for sharing this recipe because my wife loves to eat falafel and she liked your falafel a lot. Keep teaching us more Turkish food recipes.

I'm Algérian... And i really love the way you cook😍😍😍... Turkish cuisine is my favorite... I love everything turkish💙❤️... Kisses from Marrakech 😘

@SharadhiRKashyap

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/l4eMy7mmYs3Okc4.html

I am a Pakistani. Turkey is always in our prayers. We love you. I love your recipes and your innate and spontaneous style of teaching.

I like how you describe things, in harmony with each other, gives it a belly, etc. It makes me truly understand the purpose of the process. I really enjoy watching you!

@Refika

Жыл бұрын

Lots of love and big hugs to you Melissa ❤️

Love the recepies and love the ambiance!!!

Hi Refika! I am half Lebanese and spent my youth in Lebanon where they make the greatest Falafel sandwiches. Although I already make decent homemade Falafel myself, I am very thankful for your video and the tips you gave. Very rarely it is shown that Falafel can be made with fava beans, so thanks for mentioning it. Your videos and your personality bring a lot of joy to the world. Best regards from Portugal!

@Tropicalpisces

3 жыл бұрын

I had the hottest Lebanese boyfriend. 😍 Lol. On the topic of Lebanon. 😂

@shikhab2250

3 жыл бұрын

LadyWatchingBird lol

@loboheeler

Жыл бұрын

Using fava (broad) beans is more of the style in Egypt. Favas are not common in the USA, especially peeled ones that you need.

Your recipe for hummus changed my life (also I am the envy of all my friends and it is the most requested dish that I take to parties) so now I look forward to the same amazing results in this fabulous falafel recipe! Together I shall now be invited to every party! Thank you Rafika! You are amazing!!

@RobHel

2 жыл бұрын

So true! Her Hummus recipe changed my life..;) No seriously, it is the best Hummus I made and ate!

You cook with both confidence and beguiling charm. Love, love, love your videos. Thank you!!!

Thank you. We love your cooking and your bright personality!

I made this for my parents since we are all wegetarian. Huge success! Thank you for amazing recipe i will repeat this for sure :)))

Without being able to travel, I travel though cooking foods of places I love. Thank you, Refika, for taking me to Istanbul through my nose and mouth, until I can visit with my feet.

@Refika

2 жыл бұрын

you are so welcome! i am so glad and hope your feet can visit Istanbul someday as well! 😍

@jonalynlamonte9178

2 жыл бұрын

@@Refika hi can we use canned chickpeas??

@lovenature1919

2 жыл бұрын

This food isnt turkish, its arabic

I love your real-authentic oriental cooking! Your Adana Kebap blew my mind! I also love, that you recommend fava beans with or instead as chicpeas.

I appreciate the detail of your instructions and the explanations of why you do what you do. Can’t wait to make this, my chickpeas are already soaking 🤗

You are so inventive and confident with your recipes, Refika, I can't imagine you making any "F*** ups". May the force be with you and your wonderful crew. Cheers from L.A.

Just beautiful, as usual. Prayers and love for Turkey. Stay well Refika, Behar, and crew.

Love your channel - greats tips and attention to detail - looks authentic and delicious

I really like that you show details like the texture. I've made falafel with very mixed success in the past, and I think it was because of moisture content - not enough to allow it to hold together. Showing what it should look like and feel like is so helpful! Thank you!

Wow, you are just great in every way: enthusiasm, creativity and the specific details you explain so clearly. Thanks for being you!

@dalestrain7086

2 жыл бұрын

I agree Timothy

I did not knew about the sesame seed. I am a HUGE fan of falafel and hummus, your advices were precious for me. thank you for your work :) greetings from Romania

Oh my goodness!!! This is by far my favorite video! I love your channel and all that you share! Thank you so much! ❤

This lady teaches like Emeril Lagasse used to, explaining different outcomes from improper technique or various ingredients. I love it! I used to watch Emeril all of the time.

Tikir Tikir stole my heart❤️

Such a bubbly personality, love to try your recipes. Thankyou for explaining every little detail so well

Thanks so much! My son is vegan and I am always on the look-out for flavorful recipes like this!!

Prayers and overwhelming blessings from overflowing to overflowing my dear friend. God is with you always and forever!! Thank you for being such a blessing to me.

I have had a hankering for falafel for about a week. My husband and I meet your recipe and I can't tell you enough how much we loved the falafel that we made. Using the fresh herbs and spices with the garlic and onion, we were blown away with the flavors. This is better than restaurant quality. We thank you for sharing your knowledge. Can't wait to try more of your recipes

Wonderful content, lovely personality , great crew, and friends! Thank you for sharing your recipies with us. Love from Marrakech Morocco. 😍😊💖🙏🤲

I made falafel for the first time (my man likes falafel) and I chose your receipe because we love your humus and I fell in love with this falafel…I can barely believe it,but it’s way better than we had in restaurants,so many thanks🙏

She makes cooking interesting and the added information is worthwhile

@bhargavisworld7910

2 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dron/_YXtmdkx0ZgCH63eIP1xdA.html

There is no one as enjoyable to learn Turkish cooking from then you - Refika. Even here in Estonia, I can make your delicious recipes and feel the warm salty air ...

I love your enthusiasm ! Also the way you give an insight into why you do certain things in the recipe. These look delicious.Sue from South Africa😃

This is the BEST falafel recipe that I have come across. Thank you for sharing!! Can’t wait to watch all your videos! 👏👏🙌🙌

This is the only Turkish cooking channel I follow, found by accident, best find ever....

Thanks for the beautiful Turkish/ everything recipes. Insanely delicious.

I just made this today and my 5 years old son loved it, finally he had a meal without meat 😅 Thank you as always Refika ❤

This woman is so full of life! Your attitude sells your food. I just have to try this out!!

The falafel looks so good - green and fresh - and the combined hummus, falafel, spoon salad, with yoghurt is something I have to try. Thank you!

She makes cooking so enjoyable and easy. Love the way she explained all the details.

I'm from North Carolina USA and I love your show! I love how you give me the real tips and why something is better if you do it that way. Now I know why it's worthwhile to soak chickpeas overnight for falafel. Now I understand some distinction between baking soda and baking powder. Thank you! :-)❤️👍

@fatimadalal5466

Жыл бұрын

From zambia just love your recipes

@donscott6431

11 ай бұрын

Soda actually has more leavening power

Omg 2023 and I'm watching...I want to do this recipe! Where I live Puerto Rico falafel is none existent to my knowledge. I have tasted it when I have traveled to the US. And wow so delicious. I'm going to give this recipe a try. My mouth watered all thru the video😂

I love you Refika!! You are so real and just wonderful! Thank you!💛

I made this on Sunday, it was my first time trying it. It was good when i made it. I put it in the refrigerator and had it for breakfast the next morning... It was AMAZING. My mom called me asking when i gonna make more (she also had it the next morning).

@chochenfolwick8166

2 жыл бұрын

I have similar experience for making it. It becomes my special treats which people love it.

I’ve never made my own falafel, but now I have to.

The best falafel recipe I've come across .very clear instructions and it come out very well .thank you

Your way of teaching is great, you make these things look so simple

Gosh darn, Refika, I think I love you! This looks absolutely, herbaciously, fragrantly delicious. Thank you, and much love from Australia! Praying for you, your loved ones, and all in Turkey and beyond - may we, as a united world, get through these hard times (if just to enjoy your recipes at the end of it all) 🥰

@angham3829

2 жыл бұрын

Put God first❗☝️Jesus is Lord.👑 All the Glory goes to God forever☝️❤️📖. Repent, turn from evil and sin. ASAP!😟. Hell is for real. No joke. Jesus paid for it All.✝️❤️🐝🍃

My mum (in New Zealand)🇳🇿 sent me (in Australia)🇦🇺 links to your videos… thankyou! You're wonderful to watch.. And now I'm HUNGRY!! 😍

You are really amazing. love your style of narration and your recipes.

Im gonna try this, i used to buy falafels on nyc streets back in the days. Thank you

love watching her videos they are so interesting, informative and fun to learn,she makes cooking so easy 😋 I love Turkey 🇹🇷and pray for it love

I love EVERYTHING Turkish. Country People and most definitely the FOOD. And you do a great job. 👍🏻🙌

@SD-wr8rm

2 жыл бұрын

@@embededfabrication4482 Indeed, Egyptian falafel is very delicious.

@KEckertNP

2 жыл бұрын

Yesss!!! We had great experience in Istanbul. Everyone was very niceeee and the food was sooo delicious 🤤 Can’t wait to go back 😍

@maggytaylor749

2 жыл бұрын

Falafel originated in Egyptian. Many cultures have adopted it including Turkey. It’s really tasty 😋

Love your recipes, thank you

I love love love your videos. You are so knowledgeable and present everything in a simple easy-to-understand way. I live in (South) Cyprus but I am Armenian so I am very familiar with all the foods you show, but I learn something new each time. Keep up the good work!

I love the way your energy spills in the air. You make everything interesting, easy and bursting with love. I'm not cooking always, but never the less I play your videos just to soak up some of that beautiful positive energy you and your team radiate. Thank you, and I wish you "beriket" in every aspect of your life (we also use this word in Macedonia)