Falafel Recipe, a beloved Middle Eastern dish, combines the hearty goodness of chickpeas with fragrant herbs and spices to create a crispy and flavorful snack or meal. Whether served in pita bread, as part of a salad, or enjoyed on its own, falafel offers a healthy and delicious plant-based option for everyone.
Table of Contents
Preparation Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Soaking time: 12 hours (if using dried chickpeas)
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients: Falafel Recipe
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tbsp flour (if needed)
- Oil for frying
Instructions: Falafel Recipe
- Prepare the Chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight (around 12 hours). Drain and rinse them well before use. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until everything is finely chopped and it starts to come together. Be careful not to over-process it; the mixture should still have some texture.
- Form the Falafel Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. If it feels too wet, add 2-3 tablespoons of flour to help bind it together. Stir in the baking powder. Let the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the Falafel: Take about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into small balls or patties. The size can vary based on personal preference.
- Fry the Falafel: In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the falafel balls, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the falafel and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Falafel can be served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce or hummus. Alternatively, it can be served as part of a salad or with a side of pickled vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 310mg
Tips:
- For a healthier version, falafel can also be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- If you want to add more herbs, feel free to increase the amount of parsley or cilantro for a fresher taste.
Recipe videos
Falafel Recipe:
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