Falafel

Falafel is a delightful Middle Eastern dish that has gained global popularity for its crunchy texture and robust flavor. These crispy chickpea patties are not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein, making them perfect for wraps, salads, or as a tasty appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a simple weeknight meal, this falafel recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion while bringing unique flavors to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious falafel at home without any hassle.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of fresh herbs and spices gives these patties an incredible taste that will satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy falafel in wraps, bowls, or on their own as a snack—perfect for any meal or occasion.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients, this falafel recipe is a nutritious choice that’s high in protein and fiber.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out herbs or spices based on your preferences for an all-new twist on the classic recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all the necessary tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment will help you create perfectly shaped and cooked falafels every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Large bowl
• Parchment paper
• Baking tray (for air frying or baking)
• Deep pot (for frying)

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: This tool saves time by quickly blending your ingredients into the perfect consistency without over-processing.
• Large bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to soak chickpeas comfortably and mix your falafel ingredients efficiently.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after cooking your falafels.

Ingredients

This easy falafel recipe makes crispy, golden chickpea patties that are packed with fresh herbs, warm spices, and plant-based protein—perfect for wraps, bowls, or your next Mediterranean night.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups dried chickpeas (measured before soaking)
– 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
– ½ cup mint leaves (or cilantro – optional)
– 1 onion (yellow or white)
– 6 cloves garlic (chopped)
– 2 teaspoons coriander (ground)
– 1½ teaspoons cumin (ground)
– 1½ teaspoons salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes)
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying, or 4 to 6 cups frying oil for deep-frying)

How to Make Falafel

Follow these straightforward steps to create delicious homemade falafel that will impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

Start by placing your dried chickpeas in a large bowl. Cover them with water and soak in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. Once soaked, drain and rinse them before using.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the flat-leaf parsley, mint leaves (if using), onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Blend until everything is finely chopped but not completely smooth. Add the soaked chickpeas along with baking powder; blend until you achieve a coarse mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Falafel

Let the blended mixture rest for about 30 minutes. After resting, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into small patties. If the mixture feels too crumbly, add one to two tablespoons of flour until it holds together well. Place shaped patties on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 4: Air Fryer Cooking Method

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray both the basket and each falafel patty with olive oil. Air fry them in a single layer for about 12–15 minutes until they turn golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Deep-Fry Cooking Method

Heat oil in a deep pot until it reaches about 340°F (170°C). Fry three to four falafel at a time for approximately three to four minutes while turning them occasionally for even browning. Once cooked, drain on paper towels.

This easy falafel recipe yields approximately 24 patties—perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week!

How to Serve Falafel

Falafel is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re preparing a casual meal or hosting a dinner party, these crispy chickpea patties can elevate any plate.

In a Pita Wrap

• Fill a warm pita with falafel, fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, and drizzles of tahini or yogurt sauce for a delicious wrap.

On a Salad

• Serve falafel over a bed of mixed greens with chopped vegetables and your favorite dressing. This makes for a healthy and satisfying meal.

In a Bowl

• Create a falafel bowl by layering cooked grains like quinoa or rice, fresh veggies, and falafel. Top with sauces like tahini or hummus for extra flavor.

With Dipping Sauces

• Pair falafel with various dipping sauces such as tzatziki, hummus, or spicy harissa for an appetizer platter that’s perfect for sharing.

As an Appetizer

• Serve mini falafel bites on skewers with toothpicks alongside dips. This makes them easy to grab and enjoy at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Falafel

Making the perfect falafel takes some practice, but these tips can help you achieve that ideal texture and flavor.

• Soak Chickpeas Properly: Ensure you soak the dried chickpeas for 24 to 48 hours. This softens them for better blending.
• Do Not Over-Blend: Blend the mixture until it’s finely coarse. Over-blending will result in a paste rather than the desired texture.
• Rest the Mixture: Allow the blended mixture to rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and improves shaping.
• Adjust Consistency: If the mixture feels too crumbly when shaping, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour to help bind it together.
• Cook Until Golden: Whether air-frying or deep-frying, cook until golden brown for that crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix different herbs like cilantro or dill along with parsley and mint for unique flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Falafel

Pairing side dishes with falafel can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad made from bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice—perfectly complements the spices in falafel.
2. Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip flavored with tahini that goes wonderfully as both a spread and dip alongside your falafel.
3. Cucumber Salad: A light salad featuring diced cucumbers dressed in lemon juice and olive oil adds freshness to your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots bring color and flavor to your plate.
5. Baba Ganoush: A smoky eggplant dip that pairs beautifully with falafel; serve it as a spread or dip.
6. Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips are great for dipping into hummus or baba ganoush while enjoying falafels as part of an appetizer spread.
7. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs adds a comforting base to your falafel dish.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles add crunch and acidity that balance out the rich flavors of fried falafels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making falafel can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Not soaking chickpeas long enough: Ensure you soak dried chickpeas for 24 to 48 hours. This softens them, making them easier to blend and shape.
• Overprocessing the mixture: When blending, stop when the mixture is coarsely ground. Overblending will make it too smooth, leading to dense falafel.
• Skipping resting time: Allow the mixed ingredients to rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes shaping easier.
• Using too much oil: If frying, don’t overcrowd the pot. Frying too many at once cools the oil, resulting in soggy falafel instead of crispy ones.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your mixture before cooking. Adjust salt and spices as needed before shaping for flavorful falafel.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store falafel in an airtight container.
• They will last in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Falafel

• Freeze uncooked shaped patties on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Falafel

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes. Note that this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making falafel.

What are the main ingredients in falafel?

Falafel is primarily made from soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, onions, garlic, and spices such as cumin and coriander.

How do I make falafel gluten-free?

To keep your falafel gluten-free, simply ensure you use gluten-free flour if needed to bind the mixture or skip it altogether if not required.

Can I bake falafel instead of frying?

Yes! Baking is a healthier option. Just preheat your oven and brush the patties with olive oil before baking until golden brown.

What dishes pair well with falafel?

Falafel pairs wonderfully with salads, wraps, or bowls. You can serve it with tahini sauce or yogurt-based dips for extra flavor.

How do I know when my falafel is cooked?

Cooked falafel should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Final Thoughts

This easy falafel recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures that anyone can enjoy. It’s highly versatile—perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests. Feel free to customize by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste!

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Falafel

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that delights with its crispy texture and aromatic flavors. These golden chickpea patties are not only flavorful but also packed with plant-based proteins, making them a fantastic choice for wraps, salads, or as a satisfying snack. Whether you’re preparing a casual meal or hosting a dinner party, this versatile falafel recipe brings bold tastes to your table while catering to various dietary preferences. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these easy-to-make falafels that are sure to satisfy every palate!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups dried chickpeas
• 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
• ½ cup mint leaves (or cilantro)
• 1 onion (yellow or white)
• 6 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying, or frying oil for deep-frying)

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Instructions

1. Soak the chickpeas in water for 24 to 48 hours; drain and rinse.
2. In a food processor, blend parsley, mint, onion, garlic, spices, and soaked chickpeas until coarsely mixed.
3. Let the mixture rest for about 30 minutes before shaping into small patties.
4. Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a deep pot. Cook until golden brown—about 12–15 minutes in the air fryer or 3–4 minutes in the oil.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg