Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish that has become a beloved comfort food around the world. These golden, crispy fritters are made from chickpeas or fava beans, blended with aromatic herbs and spices, and fried to perfection. Whether served in pita bread, on top of a salad, or as part of a mezze platter, falafel is a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying option for any meal.
The magic of falafel lies in its ingredients. Chickpeas (or sometimes a mix of chickpeas and fava beans) are the base, providing a hearty, nutty flavor. The beans are blended with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, onions, cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne pepper. This combination of spices and herbs gives the falafel its vibrant, aromatic taste. A pinch of baking soda helps to give the falafel its light, airy texture, making each bite crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Making falafel from scratch is surprisingly easy, but it’s important to allow the mixture to rest in the fridge for at least an hour before shaping and frying. This helps the mixture hold together during frying. Once shaped into small balls or patties, the falafel is fried until it reaches a beautiful golden brown color and a crispy texture.
Falafel is naturally vegan and packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a perfect addition to any plant-based diet. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge for several days.
You can enjoy falafel in many ways: stuff it in a pita with fresh veggies and tahini sauce, add it to a salad for a protein-packed boost, or serve it with hummus and pickled vegetables for a complete mezze spread.
Whether you’re a falafel aficionado or trying it for the first time, this crispy, flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chickpeas cooked
- onion small, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped, fresh
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until well combined but not pureed.
- Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and shape into small patties.
- Fry the falafel patties in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the falafel from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or in a pita pocket with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini sauce.
Nutrition
