Easy Falafel Recipe: Crispy and Flavorful

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, you’ve probably heard of falafel. These crispy and flavorful chickpea patties are a popular street food in many countries, and for good reason! They’re healthy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to a restaurant to enjoy falafel – you can easily make them at home with this easy recipe.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour

These ingredients are enough to make about 16 falafel patties, which should feed 4 people.

Instructions

1. Soak chickpeas in water overnight. This will soften them and make them easier to grind.
2. Drain and rinse chickpeas, then add them to a food processor with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and baking powder. Pulse until finely ground, but not pureed. You want the mixture to be chunky, not smooth.
3. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, add flour, and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will help the mixture firm up and make it easier to shape into patties.
4. Shape mixture into small patties, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. You can make them smaller or larger, depending on your preference.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry falafel until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Serve hot with tahini sauce, fresh herbs, and pita bread. Falafel also goes well with hummus, tabbouleh, or other Middle Eastern dips and salads.

Variations

• Baked falafel: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the falafel instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and place the patties on the sheet. Brush them with a little oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
• Vegan falafel: To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the baking powder and use a vegan-friendly flour, such as chickpea flour or rice flour. You can also use a vegan yogurt or tahini sauce instead of the traditional yogurt sauce.
• Gluten-free falafel: Use a gluten-free flour, such as rice flour or corn flour, instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your spices and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
• Herb falafel: Experiment with different herbs and spices to give your falafel a unique flavor. Try using mint, dill, or basil instead of parsley and cilantro, or add some smoked paprika or turmeric for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

Falafel is a delicious and healthy meal or snack that is easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful chickpea patties that are sure to impress. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a vegan, or just looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, falafel is a great choice. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious falafel can be?

FAQ

What are falafels?

Falafels are a Middle Eastern food made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both, mixed with herbs and spices, formed into balls or patties, and then deep-fried or baked.

Can I make falafels with canned chickpeas?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas. However, canned chickpeas contain more moisture, so you may need to add more flour or breadcrumbs to the mixture to help it hold together.

Can I bake falafels instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake falafels instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the falafels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

Can I freeze falafels?

Yes, you can freeze falafels. Place the cooked or uncooked falafels in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

How do I serve falafels?

Falafels are typically served in a pita bread pocket with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and tahini sauce. You can also serve them as an appetizer with hummus, tzatziki, or other dips.

Can I make falafels gluten-free?

Yes, you can make falafels gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs. You can also omit the flour or breadcrumbs and use a binder like chickpea flour or mashed potatoes.

How do I prevent my falafels from falling apart?

To prevent your falafels from falling apart, make sure the mixture is not too wet. If it is too wet, add more flour or breadcrumbs to help it hold together. You can also refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping and cooking the falafels.

What herbs and spices are typically used in falafels?

The classic falafel recipe includes parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, and garlic. You can also add other herbs and spices like dill, mint, paprika, or chili flakes to customize the flavor.

Can I make falafels without a food processor?

Yes, you can make falafels without a food processor by using a mortar and pestle or a potato masher to mash the chickpeas. It will take more time and effort, but the result will be just as delicious.

Are falafels vegan?

Yes, falafels are vegan. They are made with plant-based ingredients and are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.