Falafel, which is rumoured to originate from Egypt, is a vegetable patty made from chickpeas, consisting of fresh vegetables such as parsley, onion, garlic and slightly hot chillies and a mixture of spices. Falafel is also known as peasant meatballs in the Middle East due to its similarity in flavour to meatballs made with red meat. The spices used in the preparation of falafel have health benefits, are rich in carbohydrates and protein, and are also a source of natural fibre.