Description
Crispy homemade falafel made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, and warm spices. Perfect served in pita bread, over salads, or with creamy tahini sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried chickpeas
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Pita bread, for serving
- Tahini sauce or yogurt sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Soak the dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas well before using.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Pulse the mixture until finely ground but still slightly coarse in texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the baking powder and flour.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat until hot.
- Fry the falafel in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tahini sauce.
Notes
- Add fresh mint for a brighter and more refreshing flavor.
- Mix in cayenne pepper or chopped chili for extra heat.
- For a lighter version, bake or air fry the falafel until crispy.
- Serve over rice bowls with cucumber, tomatoes, pickled onions, and hummus for a complete meal.
- Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze cooked or uncooked falafel for up to 3 months.
- For gluten-free falafel, replace regular flour with chickpea flour or another gluten-free flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
