Description
Discover the secret to crispy perfection with this homemade falafel recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight in water)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 3–4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (as needed)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the soaked chickpeas.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended but not pureed.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in flour, adding just enough to help bind the mixture together.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- While the oil is heating, form the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully drop the falafel into the oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with tahini sauce, pita bread, and fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For a baked version, preheat the oven to 375°F, place the formed falafel on a baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add spices like paprika or garlic powder to the mixture for additional flavor.
- You can also incorporate grated zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg