2 cups dried fava beans, crushed

1 cup chickpeas

4 cups onions or scallions, finely chopped

1 cup parsley, finely chopped

2 slices white toast, crust removed, processed to crumbs

1 egg

1 tsp baking soda

4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

1 tsp cayenne

1 tsp ground cumin

Salt to taste

Flour (optional)

Oil for deep frying

-   Soak fava beans and chickpeas in water overnight to soften.

-   Drain thoroughly and pound or process to a pulp.

-   Mix onions and parsley then blend with fava beans and chickpeas mixture then add fresh bread crumbs, egg, baking soda, garlic, cayenne, cumin and salt, and stir until well blended.

-   Bind with a little flour if necessary.

-   Roll into small balls then flatten slightly and leave to rest for 15 – 20 minutes.

-   Heat oil then fry in batches turning them once until a rich brown colour.

-   Drain on a paper towel.

-   Serve hot with tahini salad or in pita bread with tahini and tomato slices.