Falafel

Falafel is a crispy, golden, and flavorful Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas (or fava beans) mixed with herbs, spices, and garlic, then formed into balls or patties and fried until perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a vegetarian delight, packed with savory flavors from cumin, coriander, and parsley, with a hint of garlic and onion. Often served in pita bread with fresh veggies, tahini sauce, or yogurt, falafel is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in wraps, salads, or on its own as a snack or appetizer.

The first time I made Falafel, I was looking for a hearty yet meatless dish, and it quickly became a favorite! The texture was spot-on—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—while the spices gave the falafel just the right amount of flavor. What I love most about falafel is how customizable it is. You can add different herbs and spices to suit your taste or even make it spicier if you like! Whether it’s a quick lunch or a part of a larger spread, Falafel is satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Perfect for:

Vegetarian meals
Middle Eastern-themed dinners
Mezze platters
Healthy snacks
Chickpea and spice lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Falafel recipe will become your go-to favorite:

Crispy Perfection: The outer crust is delightfully crispy while the inside stays tender and flavorful.
Flavorful Herb Blend: A mix of parsley, cilantro, and garlic makes these falafel pop with freshness.
Healthy & Filling: Made from chickpeas and packed with fiber and protein, these falafel are a nutritious choice.
Easy to Customize: You can adjust the spices or add extra ingredients like onion or hot chili for a twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store it for an easy, healthy meal throughout the week.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve in a pita, with a salad, or on a platter with dips.
Kid-Friendly: Mild in flavor, these falafel are a great way to get kids to enjoy more vegetables.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the falafel mixture a day before and fry when ready to serve.
Vegetarian and Vegan Friendly: This dish is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan.
Great for Entertaining: Serve as part of a mezze platter, and watch your guests devour them!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Falafel:

1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (do not use canned)
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons coriander
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
4-6 tablespoons flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Optional Garnishes:

Tahini sauce
Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce
Pita bread or flatbread

Ingredient Highlights

Chickpeas: A source of protein and fiber, making these falafel a filling meal.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro add a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor.
Spices: Cumin and coriander lend a warm, earthy flavor to the falafel.
Baking Powder: Adds fluffiness to the interior of the falafel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Falafel Mixture:

Soak Chickpeas: Place chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 12 hours.
Blend Ingredients: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Add them to a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne (if using), baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but not pureed—there should still be some texture.
Chill the Mixture: Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the mixture firm up and makes it easier to shape.

Shape and Fry the Falafel:

Form the Falafel: After chilling, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or form into patties, about the size of a golf ball.
Heat Oil: In a deep pan or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Fry the Falafel: Carefully drop the falafel into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Remove the falafel from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve:

Assemble: Serve the falafel warm, in pita bread with fresh veggies, or on a platter with tahini sauce and other dips.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Falafel:

In Pita Bread: Stuff falafel into warm pita with tomatoes, cucumbers, and tahini sauce.
With Hummus: Serve with a side of creamy hummus for a rich dip.
As Part of Mezze Platter: Serve alongside tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and olives for a complete spread.
With Yogurt Sauce: Pair with a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce for a refreshing twist.
On a Salad: Add falafel to a fresh Mediterranean salad with olives, feta, and a lemon vinaigrette.
For Meal Prep: Store the falafel in an airtight container for a quick meal throughout the week.
As an Appetizer: Serve as small, bite-sized falafel with toothpicks at a party.
With Pickles: Add some tangy pickled vegetables on the side for extra crunch and flavor.
With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, cauliflower, and eggplant for a hearty meal.
For a Vegan Wrap: Wrap falafel with fresh veggies and tahini in a gluten-free tortilla.

Additional Tips

Soak the Chickpeas Properly: Soaking dried chickpeas overnight is essential for the right texture.
Don’t Over-Blend the Mixture: Leave some texture to make sure the falafel holds together after frying.
Chill the Mixture: Chilling makes the mixture firmer and easier to shape into balls or patties.
Oil Temperature: Keep the oil hot enough to fry the falafel but not so hot that they burn. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
Make Ahead: The falafel mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Falafel: Add extra cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mix for a spicier falafel.
Gluten-Free Falafel: Use chickpea flour or rice flour in place of regular flour.
Baked Falafel: For a healthier option, bake the falafel in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Sweet Potato Falafel: Add mashed roasted sweet potato to the mixture for a slightly sweet variation.
Lemon Falafel: Add lemon zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Herb-Infused Falafel: Try adding fresh mint, dill, or oregano for a different herb profile.
Beetroot Falafel: Add grated cooked beetroot to the mixture for a colorful and earthy twist.
Chickpea and Quinoa Falafel: Mix in some cooked quinoa for added texture and protein.
Tzatziki Falafel: Serve with a creamy Greek-style tzatziki sauce for a refreshing dip.

Special Equipment

Food Processor: To blend the falafel ingredients into the perfect texture.
Deep Fryer or Frying Pan: To fry the falafel to crispy perfection.
Slotted Spoon: For safely removing the falafel from hot oil.
Cooling Rack: For draining excess oil and keeping falafel crisp.
Measuring Spoons: For accurate spice measurements.

FAQ Section

Can I use canned chickpeas?
For best results, use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight. Canned chickpeas may be too soft and could affect the texture.
How long do falafel last?
Falafel can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze falafel?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked falafel for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
How do I prevent falafel from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is firm enough and that you refrigerate it before frying. The flour helps bind it together.
Can I make falafel without frying?
Yes, you can bake falafel in the oven for a healthier alternative, though they won’t be as crispy.
What is the best oil to fry falafel?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or sunflower oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and fry in batches if needed.
Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
Yes, you can add grated zucchini or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
What can I use instead of tahini sauce?
You can substitute with yogurt, hummus, or a simple olive oil and lemon dressing.
What’s the best way to serve falafel to a crowd?
Serve as part of a mezze platter with various dips, pita, and fresh veggies.

Conclusion

Falafel is the ultimate in flavor-packed, crispy goodness. With its crunchy exterior, savory herb-filled interior, and endless serving possibilities, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, in a salad, or as part of a larger spread, falafel is always a crowd-pleaser.

Easy to make, versatile, and full of flavor, this recipe will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special gathering, Falafel will impress with its authenticity and taste!