Falafel Recipe

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish. Cooks make it from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. They form the mixture into small patties or balls. Finally, they fry or bake them until crispy. This Homemade Falafel Recipe utilizes canned chickpeas for a convenient, quicker preparation time. Consequently, this makes it accessible for a busy weeknight meal.

If you are looking for a reliable method for dinner, this guide walks you through the simple steps. You will achieve perfect results every time. These golden-brown fritters offer a savory taste. They have a delightful texture, perfect for stuffing into pita pockets. They also work well served alongside a fresh salad.

Easy Tips for Perfect Results

Beyond their satisfying flavor, this Homemade Falafel Recipe provides a significant amount of plant-based protein and fiber. These fritters are both delicious and nutritious. They are a versatile addition to any menu. They work as a main course, an appetizer, or a quick snack. Making this dish at home ensures you control the ingredients. Thus, you can achieve the perfect level of crispness, surpassing most frozen alternatives.

Many people struggle with texture when using canned beans. However, this approach ensures they stay together perfectly. The key to success is ensuring your chickpeas are well-drained. Therefore, you should add just enough flour to bind the mixture. Furthermore, this dish is highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your preference. Alternatively, you might add more fresh herbs for extra color and flavor. Because this uses basic pantry staples, you likely have everything you need to start cooking right now.

A Versatile Vegetarian Homemade Falafel Recipe

In addition to being vegetarian, this Homemade Falafel Recipe is easily made gluten-free. Just swap regular flour for chickpea flour. Once you master this method, you will find yourself making it regularly. It is great for healthy lunches and dinners. It truly is the best method for beginners and experienced cooks alike. It offers a fast route to a traditional culinary experience without the hassle of soaking dried beans overnight. The result is consistently impressive.

The Staple Kitchen

Falafel

A traditional, crispy falafel recipe made with soaked dried chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans 400g each chickpeas, drained and rinsed well
• 1 small white onion roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic peeled
• 30 g fresh parsley leaves packed
• 15 g fresh cilantro leaves packed
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Oil for shallow frying vegetable or canola

Method

 

1. Place 800g drained and rinsed chickpeas into a food processor.
   
2. Add 1 roughly chopped small white onion to the food processor.
   
3. Add 2 peeled garlic cloves to the food processor.
   
4. Add 30g fresh parsley leaves and 15g fresh cilantro leaves to the food processor.
5. Add 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp ground coriander, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes to the bowl.
6. Pulse the mixture in the food processor until it is coarsely ground but not completely smooth or puréed.
   
7. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add 3 tbsp flour and 1 tsp baking powder.
8. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste and mix gently with a spoon.
   
9. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the mixture hold its shape.
   
10. Form the mixture into 12-16 small patties or balls using your hands.
11. Heat 1cm of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
12. Fry the patties in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
    
13. Remove the fried patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
    

Notes

For a healthier alternative, you can bake/airfry these at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, though they may be slightly less crispy than the fried version. Ensuring the chickpeas are very dry after rinsing is crucial for the best texture. Serve these hot inside pita bread with tahini sauce, diced tomatoes, and cucumbers for a classic meal.

Enjoy! 🙂