Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. It is a savory Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas or fava beans that are ground and mixed with various spices, herbs, and vegetables. Falafel can be fried, baked, or grilled, and is often served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tahini, hummus, or tzatziki. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for making falafel at home, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure that your falafel turns out perfect. We will also discuss the different variations of falafel, such as green falafel, which is made with fresh herbs and spices, and red falafel, which is made with roasted red peppers. With so many delicious options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect falafel recipe to satisfy your cravings.
Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
There's not one "right" way to make a falafel. So if you like less onion, put in less onion. If you like more herbs, put in more herbs. More spice, more spice. It's really up to you.
Provided by Amanda Cohen
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 28
Steps:
- Make the spice mix: In a skillet over low heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Grind the toasted seeds in a spice grinder. Add the dried parsley, granulated garlic, chili powder, granulated onion, za'atar, sumac, allspice, chili flakes, a few turns of black pepper and continue grinding to combine. Set aside. Spice mix will keep for several weeks in an airtight jar.
- For the falafel: In a food processor, add the chickpeas, chopped onion and garlic, parsley, cilantro, baking soda, spice mix and salt. Pulse until the mixture's combined and the chickpeas are pea-size, stopping and stirring halfway through. Tightly pack the falafel mixture into balls the size of an extra large marble and set aside.
- Fry the falafel: Pour oil half full into a deep pan and set over medium heat. Secure a deep-fry thermometer to the pan's side and heat oil to 375 degrees F. Using a spider strainer, gently drop the falafel balls, one at a time, into the hot oil making sure the pot isn't overcrowded with falafel. Cook until most of the bubbles have disappeared and the falafel is golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Remove to a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet to cool and repeat the process until all of the falafel balls are cooked.
- Make the tahini dressing and assemble the dish: In a blender add the garlic, water, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until combined. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and lemon juice if necessary and blend again. Set aside. Tahini sauce can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. To serve, place falafel balls on a platter, drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge.
FALAFEL
Steps:
- For the Falafel: Drain the chickpeas through a colander then place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Chickpeas should be totally dry.
- Heat 4-inches peanut or vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 330 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
- While the oil is heating, heat the olive oil in a small saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and serrano chiles and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer the chickpeas to a food processor, add the garlic mixture, green onions, parsley, mint, cilantro, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt and pepper and process until the mixture is finely ground, stopping to scrape the bowl every 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Form the mixture into balls the size of ping pong balls and place on a plate. Fry in batches at 330 degrees F until a pale blonde color, about 45 seconds, spooning oil over the falafel constantly. Remove with a slotted spoon to the baking sheet. Increase the heat of the oil to 350 degrees F. Return the falafel to the oil, in batches, cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds and fry until a deep brown color, spooning the oil over the falafel constantly. Remove with a slotted spoon to baking sheet lined with paper towels, and immediately season with salt.
- For the yogurt sauce: Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth; season with salt and pepper to taste and transfer to a small bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, covered, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Variation: Substitute 2 cups feta cheese for the yogurt, and add 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley.
- For the hummus: Place beans, garlic, harissa, lemon juice, and tahini in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- For the relish: Whisk the oil, vinegar, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and toss. The tomatoes should be lightly dressed.
- Serve falafel with yogurt sauce, hummus and relish on the side.
BAKED FALAFEL
An easy, yummy way to make falafel. Serve with pita bread and your favorite tzatziki.
Provided by Bette
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian
Time 55m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Wrap onion in cheese cloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Set aside. Place garbanzo beans, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and baking soda in a food processor. Process until the mixture is coarsely pureed. Mix garbanzo bean mixture and onion together in a bowl. Stir in the flour and egg. Shape mixture into four large patties and let stand for 15 minutes.
- Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the skillet; cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.1 calories, Carbohydrate 39.3 g, Cholesterol 93 mg, Fat 9.3 g, Fiber 7.2 g, Protein 11.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 909.4 mg, Sugar 1.2 g
FALAFEL IN PITA WITH YOGURT SAUCE
Steps:
- In medium skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons oil and sweat onion and peppers 2 to 3 minutes then garlic and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a food processor, pulse together chick peas, red chili flakes, ground cumin, the egg, salt and black pepper to form a coarse consistency. Then add flour, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until mixture starts pulling from the sides of the food processor.
- Remove mixture to a large bowl and mix in the onion mixture. Chill falafel until ready to cook.
- Roll falafel dough into 1-inch rounds. Then form rounds into an oblong quenelle shape, like a football.
- In a thick-bottomed skillet heat 1/2 inch of canola oil over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Cook falafel balls a few at a time, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Be sure to turn them so they do not burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while still hot.
- Open the pita bread to make pockets. Place 3 to 4 falafels inside. Stuff with lettuce tomato and cucumbers and drizzle sauce generously on the inside. Serve immediately.
- Mix the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley and cumin together in a small bowl. Add salt to taste. Chill until ready to use.
EASIEST FALAFEL
Super quick and easy - you will probably have all the ingredients in your pantry already! Serve with your favorite sauce! I served mine with spicy mayo, made by mixing 3 tablespoons mayo with 1/2 tablespoon sriracha. It would also be great with tzatziki or spicy mustard.
Provided by jaclyncady
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Beans and Peas
Time 30m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place garbanzo beans, 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs, onion, 1/4 cup olive oil, egg, parsley, curry powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Puree until coarse crumbles form. Blend more panko crumbs into mixture if it is too moist.
- Roll mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball; place on a plate.
- Press into patties and coat in panko bread crumbs.
- Heat about 1-inch olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Pan-fry patties until crispy, about 3 minutes on each side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 300.9 calories, Carbohydrate 31.8 g, Cholesterol 37.2 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 7.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 342.7 mg, Sugar 1 g
FALAFEL WITH CANNED CHICKPEAS
Falafel made with canned chickpeas - just like the ones you taste in a Greek restaurant. Makes about 12 patties. Serve with hummus or tzatziki sauce.
Provided by Dani
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian
Time 30m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Mash chickpeas in a bowl using a masher. Combine mashed chickpeas, onions, parsley, and garlic in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Mix eggs, cumin, coriander, salt, lemon juice, baking powder, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl. Add chickpea mixture and mix together. Add bread crumbs slowly and combine using your hands until mixture isn't sticky, but will hold together when frying.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Form mixture into about 12 patties about as wide as the palm of your hand. Fry patties in the hot oil until browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 134.4 calories, Carbohydrate 21.5 g, Cholesterol 31 mg, Fat 3.3 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 571.1 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
EASY BAKED FALAFEL WITH CUCUMBER-YOGURT SAUCE
Try this Middle Eastern sandwich of chickpea and spice 'meatballs,' which are actually falafel that are oven-fried to keep their calorie count down. Serve with grilled pita wedges or pita pockets, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cucumber slices.
Provided by Wyome
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Coat a 9x13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray and 1 tablespoon olive oil and place inside the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). C
- Combine chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, and baking powder in a food processor. Pulse until minced but not yet pasty. Transfer to a bowl and stir in flour and egg until fully incorporated.
- Remove baking pan from the oven. Drop golfball-sized portions of chickpea mixture onto the hot pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes. Brush falafel with remaining olive oil and flip over. Continue baking until golden on both sides, 15 to 20 minutes more.
- Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve falafel with yogurt sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249.8 calories, Carbohydrate 29.4 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 8.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 586.6 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
FALAFEL
Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 servings (3 patties per serving)
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, scallions, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne, parsley, cilantro, egg, and lemon juice. Pulse to combine and season with salt. The mixture will not be smooth, but it should not have large chunks.
- Add in the baking powder and 1/3 cup of the flour and pulse to just combine. Remove to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Remove the chickpea mixture from the refrigerator. Add enough oil to a large saute pan so it reaches 1/2-inch up the sides and heat it over medium-high heat until an inserted thermometer reads 360 degrees F.
- Meanwhile, drop spoonfuls of the chickpea mixture onto a plate with 1/4 cup flour. Roll into balls on the floured plate and press gently into patties. Fry in batches of hot oil for about 3 to 4 minutes each side and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the falafel on a bed of lettuce with chopped salted tomatoes, grated cucumber and White Bean Yogurt Sauce.
SEAN'S FALAFEL AND CUCUMBER SAUCE
This is a great recipe for falafel. Everyone that I have made it for loves it. Yum!
Provided by Sean
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- In a small bowl combine yogurt, cucumber, dill, salt, pepper and mayonnaise and mix well. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl mash chickpeas until thick and pasty; don't use a blender, as the consistency will be too thin. In a blender, process onion, parsley and garlic until smooth. Stir into mashed chickpeas.
- In a small bowl combine egg, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, cayenne, lemon juice and baking powder. Stir into chickpea mixture along with olive oil. Slowly add bread crumbs until mixture is not sticky but will hold together; add more or less bread crumbs, as needed. Form 8 balls and then flatten into patties.
- Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry patties in hot oil until brown on both sides. Serve two falafels in each pita half topped with chopped tomatoes and cucumber sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 586 calories, Carbohydrate 59.5 g, Cholesterol 50.3 mg, Fat 33.1 g, Fiber 6.7 g, Protein 14.7 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 1580.1 mg, Sugar 8.1 g
BAKED FALAFEL WITH CUCUMBERS AND TAHINI
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Put a baking sheet on the middle oven rack and preheat to 450 degrees F. Pulse 2 cups cilantro, 1 cup onion, the garlic, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the chickpeas and 2 tablespoons tahini; pulse to make a chunky paste. Scrape the mixture into a bowl and stir in the panko.
- Form the chickpea mixture into twelve 2-inch patties (about 2 tablespoons each). Remove the baking sheet from the oven, brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil and add the chickpea patties. Bake, flipping the patties and rotating the pan halfway through, until golden and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix the remaining 1/3 cup tahini with 6 tablespoons warm water and the juice of 1 lemon in a small bowl until creamy (it may look separated at first but it will come together). Season with salt and pepper; set aside. Toss the cucumbers with the juice of the remaining lemon, 1 cup cilantro, 1/2 cup sliced onion and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- Warm the pita in the oven. Serve the falafel with the cucumber salad, pita and tahini sauce.
FALAFEL PITA SANDWICH WITH TAHINI SAUCE
Falafel has such a prominent taste, but the tahini and freshness of the vegetables really complement it nicely.
Provided by cpchef
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place falafel on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, 8 to 10 minutes.
- While falafel bake, whisk tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika together in a bowl.
- Cut about 1 inch from the top of each pita to form a pocket. Add 2 falafel to each pita with equal amounts lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickle, and red onion. Drizzle each with about 1 tablespoon tahini sauce and some harissa.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 361.3 calories, Carbohydrate 53.4 g, Fat 12.7 g, Fiber 11 g, Protein 12.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 576.4 mg, Sugar 4.2 g
AIR FRYER FALAFEL
Once you've soaked your chickpeas, you can use a food processor and an air fryer to quickly bake these spicy falafel patties. Serve with your favorite garnishes and sauce.
Provided by Buckwheat Queen
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegan Side Dishes
Time P1DT1h40m
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Soak chickpeas in a large amount of cool water for 24 hours. Rub the soaked chickpeas with your fingers to help loosen and remove skins. Rinse and drain well. Spread chickpeas on a large clean dish towel to dry.
- Blend chickpeas, cilantro, parsley, onion, and garlic in a food processor until a rough paste forms. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add chickpea flour, coriander, cumin, sriracha, salt, and pepper and mix well. Cover bowl and let mixture rest for 1 hour.
- Preheat an air fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Add baking powder and baking soda to the chickpea mixture. Mix using your hands until just combined. Form 15 equal-sized balls and press slightly to form patties. Spray falafel patties with cooking spray.
- Place 7 falafel patties in the preheated air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer cooked falafel to a plate and repeat with remaining 8 falafel, cooking for 10 to 12 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 59.7 calories, Carbohydrate 9.9 g, Fat 1.1 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 97.9 mg, Sugar 1.8 g
FALAFEL: CHICKPEA PATTIES
Provided by Food Network
Time 30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Make the Falafel: Soak the chickpeas in cold water in the refrigerator overnight.
- Drain the chickpeas and place them with the onion in the bowl of a food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the oil. Mix well. Process the mixture a second time. Form the mixture into walnut-sized balls and deep-fry or pan-fry in hot oil.
- Make the Sandwiches: Stuff the pitas with lettuce and nestle the falafel patties inside. Top with the rest of the ingredients and drizzle with the tahini sauce. Serve immediately.
- Mash the garlic and salt together. Add the tahini, mixing well. The sauce will thicken. Gradually add the water, blending thoroughly. Then add the lemon juice. Blend well.
- Note: This can be a thin or thick sauce, depending upon the use and preference. Simply adjust with lemon juice and water. This can be used with vegetables or in combination with other recipes.
SPICY BAKED FALAFEL WITH TZATZIKI
These well-seasoned baked falafel, with a little bit of heat and accompanied by a cool tzatziki sauce, are good in a pita, on a salad, or just by themselves. Enjoy!
Provided by Bradley Wiles
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian
Time 1h40m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Stir yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic powder, sugar, lemon zest, mint, and dill together in a bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste and refrigerate tzatziki until ready to serve with falafel.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
- Combine jalapeno peppers, parsley, green onions, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and fully blended. Scrape mixture down and add chickpeas. Pulse several times until just blended and chickpeas are broken up, but texture is still rough; do not overblend. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
- Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek seasoning, cumin, 1/2 tablespoon salt, paprika, pepper, and chili powder to the chickpea mixture. Stir with a spatula until fully incorporated. Add chickpea flour a few tablespoons at a time and stir; the final mixture should be wet, but not falling apart when handled. Place bowl in the freezer, uncovered, to firm up mixture, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with some olive oil.
- Remove chickpea mixture from freezer and form into 20 to 24 small balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush falafel with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with remaining salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven until falafel are dry and slightly darker brown in color, about 45 minutes. Turn on the broiler and continue baking until tops are crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with tzatziki.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 381.7 calories, Carbohydrate 40.4 g, Cholesterol 44.3 mg, Fat 19.4 g, Fiber 6.7 g, Protein 13.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 1105.5 mg, Sugar 6.3 g
TA'AMEYA (EGYPTIAN FALAFEL)
Falafel, or ta'ameya as we call it in Egypt, is an all-time favorite street food. In most parts of the Middle East, falafel is made with ground chickpeas. However, in Egypt, we make it with dried fava beans. They are best served with pita bread, tomato, onions, and tahini sauce.
Provided by Gamila Salem
Categories World Cuisine Recipes African North African Egyptian
Time 8h28m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place fava beans in large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let soak, 8 hours to overnight. Drain.
- Combine soaked fava beans, red onion, parsley, cilantro, dill, garlic, coriander, salt, and cumin in a food processor; process to a dough-like consistency.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds; cook, stirring occasionally, until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large plate.
- Shape fava bean mixture into balls. Roll in sesame seeds to coat.
- Fill a large saucepan 1/4 full with oil; heat over medium heat. Fry fava bean balls in batches until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 233.8 calories, Carbohydrate 22.8 g, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 9.8 g, Protein 10.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 359 mg, Sugar 2.3 g
CLASSIC FALAFEL AND TAHINI SAUCE RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: dried chickpea, water, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, fresh mint, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, ground coriander, baking soda, sesame seed, salt, pepper, oil, sesame seed, sesame oil, olive oil, lemon juice
Provided by Gwenaelle Le Cochennec
Categories Appetizers
Yield 16 falafels
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Soak the chickpeas in the water for at least one night, ensuring that the chickpeas are fully submerged.
- Drain the chickpeas in a colander. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and add the chickpeas. Cover with more paper towels and let dry for at least 2 hours.
- Add the dried chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, coriander, mint, 5 cloves of garlic, onion, paprika, 2 teaspoons of cumin, ground coriander, baking soda, toasted sesame seeds, salt, and pepper, in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Use your hands to form falafel the size of a ping pong ball.
- Heat oil to 320°F (160°C) in a large pot.
- Add the falafel in batches, and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- To make tahini sauce, heat the sesame seeds in a frying pan over medium heat until the seeds brown slightly.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes and pour into a small blender or coffee grinder.
- Add the sesame oil and half of the olive oil and blend. Add the rest of the olive oil and blend again until you get a smooth mixture.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cumin, 2 garlic cloves and lemon juice and blend.
- Serve the tahini sauce with falafel.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 156 calories, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 6 grams, Sugar 3 grams
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
Serve this traditional falafel from Michael's Genuine Food & Drink chef Michael Schwartz tucked inside pita bread for a satisfying sandwich or on its own as a protein-packed appetizer.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes about 2 dozen falafels
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place chickpeas in a large bowl and add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Place bowl in refrigerator and let soak until the chickpeas swell to double their size, at least 12 hours and up to 24. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Transfer rinsed chickpeas to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well ground (about the consistency of cornmeal). Add onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper; process until mixture is pureed, scraping down sides as necessary. Falafel mixture can be made 3 to 4 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Fill a countertop electric fryer or a deep pot 3 inches high with oil. Heat until it reaches 350 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Using your hands, form falafel mixture into a 1 3/4-inch balls, pressing tightly so that falafel does not fall apart while frying.
- Using a slotted spoon and working in batches, carefully add falafel to hot oil, gently nudging so they do not stick to the bottom. Fry, turning as needed, until crusty and dark brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately with tahini and pickled vegetables.
BEST FALAFEL
Sure, you can make falafel from a mix but frankly, it's a far cry from authentic falafel. This is the best falafel recipe I know of. You can find dried fava beans in Middle Eastern grocery stores and some supermarkets. Serve with pita bread, tahini sauce, lettuce, and other chopped vegetables.
Provided by nch
Categories World Cuisine Recipes African North African Egyptian
Time P2DT1h50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place fava beans in a bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Soak for 2 days, changing the water daily (in hot weather change the water twice daily).
- Soak chickpeas on the second day in a separate bowl in plenty of cold water.
- Drain beans and chickpeas and rinse under cold running water; drain again. Remove the skins from the fava beans and discard them. Do not skip that step or the falafel will not taste good.
- Combine fava beans, chickpeas, onion, garlic, and parsley leaves in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until pureed, scraping the sides often to ensure everything is evenly processed to a smooth paste. Add cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a bowl; cover and let mixture rest for 30 minutes.
- Line a baking sheet or a large tray with waxed paper.
- Shape the mixture into 25 to 30 evenly sized patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1/2 inch between them. Let rest, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Pour oil into the bottom of a large skillet until it just covers the bottom. Heat until oil is hot enough to sizzle a breadcrumb.
- Carefully lift the falafel from the waxed paper using a spatula. Fry a few falafel at a time and do not overcrowd the skillet. Fry until crisp and brown on the underside, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip, and fry on the other side until browned, another 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and transfer to a baking sheet. Place the finished falafel in the preheated oven to keep warm while you fry the rest, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 237.8 calories, Carbohydrate 37.8 g, Fat 4.5 g, Fiber 12.9 g, Protein 13.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 261 mg, Sugar 5.9 g
AIR FRIED FALAFEL
This vegetarian air fried falafel is super easy to prepare and full of flavor thanks to fresh herbs.
Provided by Glenn6870
Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian Main Dishes Beans and Peas Falafel Recipes
Time 2h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Dry chickpeas on paper towels. Place onions and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add parsley, scallions, cilantro, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes. Process until blended, 30 to 60 seconds, then add the chickpeas and pulse 2 to 3 times until just blended, but not pureed. Sprinkle in flour and baking powder, scrape the sides of the bowl down with a spatula, and pulse 2 to 3 times.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate, covered, 2 to 3 hours.
- Form the falafel mixture into 12 balls; if mixture is too sticky add some flour to your hands and your work surface.
- Preheat an air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) according to manufacturer's instructions. Spray falafel with cooking spray.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer until golden brown, about 14 minutes, turning halfway through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 118.7 calories, Carbohydrate 23.3 g, Fat 1 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 466 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
FALAFEL DRY MIX
This is my own creation after realizing that normal boxed falafel is usually not all that good and quite expensive. I've also never found a dry falafel mix recipe where you just need to add water. This recipe is easily made in large batches for future use.
Provided by Zac Garrett
Categories Beans
Time 50m
Yield 10 Balls, 2-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Grind Garbanzo Beans - I used a spice grinder to grind the garbanzo beans. Then used a strainer with a decent size hole to sift the mixture to get rid of any large parts. This took a long while to grind up a decent amount, but these little beans are hard and I didnt want to ruin a blender or something else.
- Mix All dry ingredients together.
- Add water.
- Let sit 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls.
- If you prefer flatten into patties, I've found that you need less oil when cooked this way.
- Fry in corn oil at 300F until golden brown. Falafel will float near the time it is done cooking.
- Set on a paper towel to soak up any extra oil.
- Enjoy.
Tips:
- Choose the right beans. Dried chickpeas are the traditional choice for falafel, but you can also use fava beans, lentils, or a combination of beans.
- Soak your beans overnight. This will help them to cook more evenly.
- Drain and rinse your beans before cooking.
- Add plenty of herbs and spices to your falafel mixture. This will give them flavor and depth.
- Don't overmix your falafel mixture. Overmixing will make the falafel tough.
- Form your falafel into balls or patties. You can use a spoon or your hands to do this.
- Fry your falafel in hot oil until they are golden brown.
- Serve your falafel with your favorite toppings and sauces. Some popular choices include tahini sauce, hummus, pita bread, and vegetables.
Conclusion:
Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. With its many variations, there is sure to be a falafel recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give falafel a try!
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