Falafel Recipe – Are you craving a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern dish that is both vegetarian and easy to make at home? Look no further than this flavorful Falafel Recipe! Made from a blend of chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, falafel is a popular street food known for its crispy exterior and moist, fluffy interior. Whether you enjoy it as a filling for pita bread, a topping for salads, or on its own as a tasty snack, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating golden-brown falafel balls that are sure to impress your taste buds. Get ready to elevate your culinary skills and treat yourself to a homemade Middle Eastern delight with this simple and satisfying Falafel Recipe.
What is Falafel?
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs, spices, and onions. These ingredients are formed into balls or patties and deep-fried, creating a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. Falafel is typically served in pita bread with fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, or hummus. This vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.
Video of Falafel
| Prep Time | 20 minutes of hands-on prep |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes of frying time |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | Makes about 20 falafel balls |
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, formed into balls or patties, and then deep-fried. Its origins can be traced back to Egypt, where it was first made with fava beans. Today, it is enjoyed all over the world for its crispy texture, savory flavor, and versatility. Falafel is often served in pita bread with tahini sauce, vegetables, and pickles, making it a favorite street food. Its popularity can be attributed to its delicious taste, vegetarian-friendly ingredients, and easy preparation. People love falafel for its satisfying crunch, aromatic spices, and ability to be customized with various toppings. For those looking to recreate this beloved dish at home, a quick search for a Falafel Recipe online will yield many delicious options.
Falafel Ingredients
For the perfect Falafel recipe, fresh and vibrant ingredients are key. Start with dried chickpeas, soaked overnight for optimal texture. Add in a generous amount of fresh parsley and cilantro, along with onions and garlic for bold flavor. Spices like cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper bring depth and heat to the dish. Finish off with a touch of baking powder and flour to bind everything together. With this variety of fresh ingredients, your Falafel will be bursting with flavor and authenticity.
- Chickpeas: drained and rinsed
- Dried parsley
- Dried coriander
- Cumin
- Garlic: minced
- Onion: finely chopped
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
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How to Make Falafel
To prepare a delicious falafel recipe, start by soaking dried chickpeas overnight to ensure they are soft enough for blending. Drain and dry the chickpeas thoroughly before combining them with fresh herbs, spices, and a touch of baking soda for lightness. Use a food processor to pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste, then shape into balls and fry until crispy and golden brown.
- Soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas in water overnight in a large bowl.
- Drain the chickpeas and place them in a food processor along with 1/2 an onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Pulse the mixture in the food processor until it forms a coarse paste.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350 F (180 C).
- Form the chickpea mixture into small balls or patties using your hands or a falafel scoop.
- Carefully drop the falafel balls into the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the falafel from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve the falafel hot with pita bread, tahini sauce, and your favorite toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickles. Enjoy!
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Tips for Making Falafel
When it comes to making delicious falafel at home, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Firstly, be sure to use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight for the best texture. Secondly, make sure to blend the mixture until it is well combined but still slightly chunky for the perfect consistency. Additionally, be sure to let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Finally, fry the falafel in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside. Follow these tips and you’ll have perfectly crispy and flavorful falafel every time!
- Use dried chickpeas instead of canned for a better texture. Soak them overnight and then drain and rinse before using in the recipe.
- Make sure to thoroughly dry the chickpeas after soaking to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy falafel.
- Add a small amount of baking powder to the falafel mixture to help it rise and become more fluffy when frying.
- Use a food processor to finely chop the ingredients for a smoother texture. Be careful not to over-process, as the mixture should still have some texture.
- Add a combination of fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and mint to the falafel mixture for added flavor and freshness.
- Let the falafel mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before shaping and frying. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.
- Use a small cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion out the falafel mixture before shaping with your hands. This ensures even-sized falafel for consistent cooking.
- Fry the falafel in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure even cooking. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust as needed to maintain a consistent fry.
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Directions for Making Falafel
To make delicious and crispy falafel at home, start by soaking 1 cup of dried chickpeas in water overnight. Drain the chickpeas and blend them with chopped onions, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, and salt until a coarse mixture forms. Shape the mixture into small balls and deep fry until golden brown. Serve the falafel with pita bread, tahini sauce, and a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.
- First, soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- After soaking, drain the chickpeas and add them to a food processor along with 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Pulse the mixture in the food processor until it forms a coarse paste, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and stir in 2 tbsp flour and 1/2 tsp baking powder until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- After chilling, shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the falafel in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve the falafel hot with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and your favorite toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts of Falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, shaped into balls and deep-fried. This flavorful vegetarian option is high in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for a meal or snack. Each serving typically contains around 350 calories, 15g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 20g of fat.
| Calories | 57 per falafel |
| Protein | 2 grams per falafel |
| Fat | 4 grams per falafel |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 grams per falafel |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams per falafel |
| Carbohydrates | 5 grams per falafel |
| Fiber | 1 gram per falafel |
| Sugar | 0.5 grams per falafel |
| Sodium | 120 milligrams per falafel |
Conclusion on Falafel Recipe
In conclusion, this falafel recipe is a delicious and nutritious choice for any meal. Its blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is suitable for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Falafel can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as in pita bread with tahini sauce, on top of salads, or as a tasty appetizer with a side of hummus. Not only is falafel a versatile and tasty option, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, making falafel a filling and satisfying meal that can help support a balanced diet. So next time you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious meal option, consider trying this delicious falafel recipe for a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.