Falafel is a delicious Middle Eastern dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. It is a combination of chickpeas or fava beans and spices, which are then shaped into small balls and fried until golden brown. Falafel has a unique flavor that is both savory and slightly tangy, and it is often served with tahini sauce, hummus, or pita bread. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, there are many different recipes available to help you create the perfect falafel. This article will explore some of the best recipes for falafel, providing step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for achieving the perfect flavor and texture.
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HOW TO MAKE FALAFEL
Ready to learn how to make authentic falafel from scratch? My family's secret recipe for the Best Authentic Falafel, made with chickpeas, fresh herb, and spices is all you need! Be sure to check out the complete step-by-step tutorial, important tips for baking or frying falafel. And watch the video just above. What's your favorite way to enjoy falafel? I love them in warm pita sandwiches with tahini sauce or hummus, along with my lazy Mediterranean tomato and cucumber salad. But you can enjoy it alongside other plates or as part of a mezze spread (lots of ideas below!)
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Entree
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- (One day in advance) Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
- Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture.
- Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.
- Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
- Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
- Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato and cucumbers. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 93 calories, Sugar 0.1 g, Sodium 131.1 mg, Fat 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 3.9 g, Cholesterol 0 mg
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.
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.
FALAFEL II
These taste great in pita with salad, yogurt, and mint sauce!! The preparation time is minimal as the various ingredients can be left to soak/chill overnight.
Provided by Catherine
Categories Bean and Pea Appetizers
Time P1DT1h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place split peas in a large bowl, and cover with water (roughly twice as much water as split peas by volume). Cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Drain the water from the peas, and mash the peas thoroughly. Mix in onion, garlic, mint, egg, coriander, and cumin. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover, and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
- Form split pea mixture into small rounds, flatten slightly, and drop into hot oil. Fry until the falafel are a rich brown color.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 422.7 calories, Carbohydrate 40.2 g, Cholesterol 23.3 mg, Fat 22.8 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 10.2 mg, Sugar 2.7 g
FALAFEL
My husband loves this recipe, which is of Greek origin. I save any leftovers for his lunch the following day, and he says it tastes as good the second time around. Another nice thing about the recipe is that it's nutritious. -Jodie Sykes, Lake Worth, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 9 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- In a food processor, combine first 11 ingredients. Process until smooth. If mixture is moist, add a few more bread crumbs. Using a 1/3 cup measure, shape mixture into patties. , In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Fry patties until golden brown on both sides. Meanwhile, combine sauce ingredients. Stuff pita halves with patties, tomato, onion and lettuce. Spoon sauce into pitas. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 31mg cholesterol, Sodium 553mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
Tips:
- Soak the chickpeas overnight: This will help them to cook more evenly and will also make them easier to digest.
- Use a food processor to grind the chickpeas: This will give you a smoother, more consistent falafel mixture.
- Add plenty of herbs and spices to the falafel mixture: This will give them a delicious flavor.
- Chill the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying: This will help them to hold their shape better.
- Fry the falafel in hot oil: This will help them to get crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Serve the falafel with your favorite dipping sauce: Tahini sauce, hummus, or tzatziki are all great options.
Conclusion:
Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is also relatively easy to make. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make delicious falafel at home. So next time you are looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, give falafel a try!
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