Falafel Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own falafel from scratch. This Falafel Recipe is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Using dried chickpeas instead of canned ones elevates the dish, ensuring a fresher taste and perfect texture. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these crispy, golden-brown balls of goodness will have everyone coming back for more.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and the vibrant flavors that come together beautifully. The use of fresh herbs and spices brings a delightful freshness to each bite. Plus, making falafel from dried chickpeas results in a firmer texture that holds up perfectly when fried. I love serving these alongside a refreshing tahini sauce, which perfectly complements the spices in the falafel. This Falafel Recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to enjoy plant-based eating.

The Ingredient Lineup

• 2 cups dried chickpeas: Soaked overnight for optimal texture.
• 1 cup parsley: Freshly chopped for a vibrant flavor.
• 1 small yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth.
• 3 garlic cloves: Minced for a punch of flavor.
• 2 teaspoons coriander: Ground coriander brings warmth.
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Essential for that classic falafel taste.
• 2 teaspoons dried dill: Adds a unique herbal note.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a slight kick.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the falafel rise and stay fluffy.
• Oil for frying: Choose your preferred frying oil.
• 1 cup tahini: A creamy base for the sauce.
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice: For brightness and acidity.
• 5 tablespoons water: To thin out the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Extra flavor for the tahini sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the sauce.

Cook’s Kit

• Food Processor: Essential for blending the falafel mixture.
• Large bowl: For soaking the chickpeas and mixing ingredients.
• Frying pan or deep fryer: Needed for frying to crispy perfection.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spoon or cookie scoop: For shaping even falafel balls.

Cook Falafel Recipe Like This

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

Start by soaking the dried chickpeas in a large bowl of water overnight. This step is crucial as it helps to soften the chickpeas, making them easier to blend and giving the falafel a better texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

Once the chickpeas are soaked, drain and rinse them thoroughly. In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, chopped parsley, chopped onion, minced garlic, coriander, cumin, dill, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Form the Falafel Balls

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the formed falafel on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large frying pan, heat about an inch of oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the falafel mixture into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 5: Fry the Falafel

Carefully add the falafel balls to the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Tahini Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the crispy falafel warm with the tahini sauce drizzled on top or on the side. They pair wonderfully with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or even a side of Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad or Southwest Black Bean Salad.

Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps

• Chickpeas: Stick with dried chickpeas for the best texture, but canned can be used in a pinch.
• Tahini: For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead.
• Herbs: Try swapping parsley for cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Common Errors (and Fixes)

• Falafel falling apart: Ensure that the chickpeas are well-soaked but not mushy. Also, adding a little more flour can help bind the mixture.
• Oil temperature too low: If the falafel absorbs too much oil and turns greasy, increase the heat slightly.
• Overcooked falafel: Keep an eye on the frying time. Aim for a golden brown color and a crispy exterior.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

You can prepare the falafel mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry. For cooked falafel, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen before frying. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage.

FAQ

Can I bake the falafel instead of frying them?

Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the falafel on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with a little oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

What can I serve with falafel?

Falafel is delicious served with tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, pita bread, or even as part of a salad. It pairs well with dishes like tabbouleh or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Can I make falafel ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the falafel mixture and store it in the fridge for a day or freeze the formed balls for later frying.

Are falafel gluten-free?

Yes, this Falafel Recipe is gluten-free as it uses chickpeas and does not contain any wheat products. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, like tahini or spices, are also gluten-free.

Because You Liked This

• Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad
• Southwest Black Bean Salad

Ready to Cook?

Embrace the joy of cooking with this Falafel Recipe. With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of flavor that makes this dish a standout. Get your ingredients ready, gather your kitchen tools, and let’s make some falafel that’s sure to impress!