Please read this important message from General Mills regarding their recent flour recall: http://www.generalmills.com/flour
Soak the chickpeas overnight with baking soda (as an alkali, it helps to break down and tenderize the legume). Or, quick soak by pouring 6 cups boiling water over the chickpeas and baking soda, and let stand at least 1 hour.
Drain chickpeas well and place in a food processor with remaining falafel ingredients, except the olive oil. Pulse into a very finely chopped mixture that looks like thick sand. Chill at least 1 hour then form firm 6 patties that are 4 to 5 inches in diameter.