Falafel Recipe
Falafel is a Middle Eastern favorite, known for its crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. This Perfect Falafel Recipe shows you how to make this vegan and gluten-free dish at home using chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices. Fried to golden perfection, falafel is great served in pita bread, on salads, or with hummus. Follow this easy recipe for an authentic, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Equipment
- Food processor
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels for draining
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight
- 1 small onion roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black paper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp flour optional
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1. Soak the Chickpeas: Place dried chickpeas in a bowl, cover with water, and let them soak overnight. Drain before use.2. Prepare the Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until you have a coarse, slightly chunky mixture.3. Form the Falafel Balls: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the baking powder and flour (if needed for binding). Mix well, then shape the mixture into small balls or patties.4. Fry the Falafel: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the falafel in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.5. Drain and Serve: Remove the falafel using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with pita bread, hummus, tahini, or salad.
Notes
- If your falafel mixture is too loose, add a bit more flour to help bind the ingredients.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Falafel can be baked for a healthier alternative. Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
