Falafel Recipe is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, onion, green chillies, and aromatic spices. These crispy chickpea patties are golden on the outside and flavourful inside. They are naturally vegetarian and make a delicious snack, lunch, or light meal.
Traditionally, falafel is served inside warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, tahini, and fresh salad. Moreover, you can enjoy these crispy chickpea patties with hummus, garlic sauce, or your favourite dip. In addition, homemade falafel is easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Whether you serve it as a pita sandwich or as part of a Middle Eastern platter, this Falafel Recipe is a delicious way to enjoy chickpeas with fresh herbs and spices.
Why You Will Love This Falafel Recipe
- First, it is made with simple ingredients.
- Moreover, it is a delicious vegetarian recipe.
- In addition, fresh herbs add wonderful flavour and colour.
- Furthermore, the falafel becomes crispy when fried properly.
- Finally, it is perfect for pita sandwiches, salads, and snack platters.
Ingredients for Falafel Recipe
Makes: Approximately 18–20 falafel
- 2 cups dried chickpeas (garbanzo beans), soaked
- 8–10 garlic cloves
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 handful fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 3–4 green chillies
- 1–2 inch piece ginger
- 2–3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1–2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- Salt according to taste
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Oil for deep frying
How to Make Falafel Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas
First, rinse the dried chickpeas thoroughly.
Next, soak them in plenty of water for 8–12 hours or overnight.
After soaking, drain the chickpeas completely. Make sure they are not wet before blending.
Step 2: Prepare the Falafel Mixture
Add the soaked chickpeas, garlic, red onion, parsley, coriander, green chillies, ginger, cumin seeds, and sesame seeds to a food processor.
Next, pulse the mixture until it becomes coarse and crumbly.
Do not blend it into a smooth paste. A coarse mixture gives the falafel a better texture.
If necessary, add a very small amount of water while processing.
Step 3: Rest the Mixture
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
Then cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
After resting, add salt, lemon juice, and baking soda.
Mix everything well so the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4: Shape the Falafel
Now take a small portion of the mixture.
Shape it into small balls, discs, or patties according to your preference.
Repeat with the remaining mixture.
If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for a little while before shaping.
Step 5: Fry the Falafel
Heat oil in a deep kadai or frying pan over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the falafel into the oil.
Fry them in batches so the pan does not become overcrowded.
Cook until the falafel turns golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Finally, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a kitchen towel to absorb excess oil.
How to Serve Falafel
Serve these crispy homemade falafel with:
- Warm pita bread
- Hummus
- Tahini sauce
- Garlic sauce
- Lettuce and tomato salad
- Cucumber and onion salad
- Pickles
How to Make a Falafel Pita Sandwich
First, warm a pita bread and carefully open the pocket.
Next, spread a little hummus or tahini inside.
Then add lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and crispy falafel.
Finally, drizzle with tahini or garlic sauce and serve immediately.
Tips for Making Perfect Falafel
- Use dried chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas for the best texture.
- Soak the chickpeas overnight and drain them well.
- Do not over-blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
- Allow the mixture to rest before shaping.
- Fry the falafel over medium heat so the centre cooks properly.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.
- Serve the falafel hot for the best crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?
Traditional falafel is made with soaked dried chickpeas. Canned chickpeas contain more moisture, so they may produce a softer mixture.
Why does my falafel fall apart while frying?
The mixture may contain too much moisture or may not have been processed properly. Drain the soaked chickpeas well and keep the mixture coarse.
Can I bake falafel instead of frying?
Yes. Shape the falafel into small patties, brush them lightly with oil, and bake until golden and crisp. The texture will be different from traditional deep-fried falafel.
What is falafel served with?
Falafel is commonly served with pita bread, hummus, tahini, fresh salad, pickles, or garlic sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Falafel Recipe is a delicious homemade version of a popular Middle Eastern favourite. The combination of chickpeas, fresh parsley, coriander, garlic, onion, and aromatic spices creates crispy and flavourful patties. Moreover, you can serve them in pita bread, with hummus, or alongside a fresh salad. Therefore, try this easy falafel recipe for a tasty vegetarian meal at home.
You May Like: