Crispy & Flavorful Homemade Falafel

My Crispy Falafel Recipe: Street Food Perfection at Home!

Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of falafel . Honestly, who doesn't love those crispy, flavour packed balls of goodness? This falafel recipe is going to be your new go-to.

Craving Crispy Falafel Nuggets?

Ever had that craving for amazing falafel ? i get it! this recipe delivers flavour bomb, with a perfect balance of herbs and spices.

It's all about that perfect crunch on the outside and that tender, flavourful inside.

What Makes These Falafel Patties So Good?

Falafel is a classic middle eastern dish. it has stood the test of time. traditionally made from ground chickpeas (or sometimes fava beans), it's been enjoyed for centuries! this recipe is a pretty easy one.

From start to finish, including chickpea soaking, allow at least 12 hours. this recipe will give you around 16-20 falafel , perfect for sharing.

Why You'll Love This Vegetarian Falafel Recipe

These aren't just delicious; they're good for you too! chickpeas are packed with protein and fibre, making these falafel a great high protein falafel and meatless food option.

They’re perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even as party snacks. what makes this recipe special? it’s all about fresh ingredients.

Get Your Ingredients Ready!

Let’s look at what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup of dried chickpeas soaked.
  • One small chopped onion.
  • Half a cup of fresh parsley.
  • A quarter cup of coriander.

These ingredients help make this vegetarian falafel the best there is! And don’t worry about it being unhealthy, it's a great low calorie falafel recipe option.

Right, let's talk falafel! it's a proper treat, innit? i'm gonna break down the ingredients and kit you need. getting this right is key.

We want high protein falafel that's banging, not some soggy mess. honestly, the smell of spices alone is worth it.

It’s proper comfort food! did you know falafel is considered the national dish of israel?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Alright, listen up! This falafel recipe hinges on these.

  • Dried Chickpeas: 1 cup (200g) . You absolutely must soak these for 12- 24 hours . Trust me on this. Don't even think about canned ones, yeah? They will ruin your vegetarian falafel . Honestly, this is the most important part of making falafel easy recipe .
  • Yellow Onion: 1 small (around 100g ), roughly chopped. Get the basics right.
  • Fresh Parsley: ½ cup (about 10g ), loosely packed. This gives it that fresh taste.
  • Fresh Cilantro (Coriander): ¼ cup (about 5g ), loosely packed. If you can't stand cilantro, just leave it out. No worries.
  • Garlic: 3-4 cloves , minced (about 10-12g ). Don't skimp on the garlic!
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons ( 16g ). This binds it all together, see?
  • Cumin: 1 ½ teaspoons ( 4g ), ground. It will be a very Low Calorie Falafel Recipe
  • Coriander: 1 teaspoon ( 3g ), ground.
  • Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon ( 2g ).
  • Cayenne Pepper: ¼ teaspoon ( 1g ), or to taste. If you like a bit of kick.
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon ( 6g ).
  • Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon ( 2g ).
  • Vegetable Oil: Enough for frying, about 2-3 cups ( 500-700ml ).

The chickpeas need to be good quality. Look for a uniform color and no broken pieces. Fresh herbs are a must! Limp parsley? Bin it. Your falafel patties deserve better!

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

Cumin and coriander are non-negotiable. they give that authentic middle eastern flavour. a pinch of cayenne adds a lovely warmth.

Don't be shy! some people like to add a pinch of turmeric for color, too. experiment with different herbs! mint is a game changer.

Make sure that the spices are fresh, that they will add to the vegetarian falafel recipe

If you're missing something, a dash of Baharat spice blend will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You don't need fancy gadgets. Honest.

  • Food Processor: To blitz everything. A must have.
  • Large Bowl: For soaking the chickpeas.
  • Slotted Spoon: For fishing out the fried falafel.
  • Deep Fryer or Pot: Something to heat the oil in. A heavy bottomed pot is best.
  • Thermometer: Optional, but helps you keep the oil at the right temperature. A wok can be used.

No food processor? A sturdy blender might work, but you'll need to pulse it carefully. No deep fryer? Just use a large pot on the hob. Sorted! Remember this meatless food

Get all this together, and you're halfway to fantastic falafel. Stay tuned for the next steps! It´s a Oven Meals Vegetarian , so this falafel nuggets will be great.

Right then, let's get cracking on this falafel recipe article, shall we? forget soggy falafel, we're aiming for street food gold here.

You know, the kind that makes you go "oh my gosh, that's amazing!" i've made my fair share of falafel patties over the years, and trust me, there have been some disasters.

But we learn from our mistakes, right? this is gonna be a winner!

The Falafel Method: From Soaking to Sizzling

Prep Like a Pro: Your Falafel Arsenal

First things first: mise en place, darling! get everything prepped. it means "everything in its place." chop your veg, measure your spices, and most importantly, make sure those chickpeas have been soaking for at least 12 hours (longer is better!).

Seriously, don't skip the soaking; otherwise, you'll end up with rock hard falafel nuggets . trust me, nobody wants that! and honestly, a sharp knife makes everything easier and safer.

step-by-step: Falafel Nirvana

This falafel easy recipe isn't rocket science, but following the steps is key:

  1. Soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas in cold water for 12- 24 hours . Drain 'em good!
  2. Blitz the chickpeas with 1 small onion, 1/2 cup parsley, 1/4 cup cilantro, 3-4 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a food processor.
  3. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This bit is vital.
  4. Heat about 2-3 cups of vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
  5. Shape into little balls or patties.
  6. Fry for 3- 4 minutes per side. Look for that golden brown hue!
  7. Drain on paper towels.
  8. Devour immediately. Simple!

Falafel Pro Tips: Secret Weapons

Don't use canned chickpeas! seriously, it's a recipe for mushy disaster. also, don't over process the mixture . you want a bit of texture, not a smooth paste.

Honestly, i made that mistake once and nearly cried. for those who want oven meals vegetarian , these falafel nuggets bake pretty well, too; but expect a slightly different texture, around 400° f ( 200° c) for 20 minutes or so.

You could even turn them into low calorie falafel recipe by baking them instead of frying.

This Vegetarian Falafel Recipe is a Real Winner

And there you have it! a truly delicious vegetarian falafel . these are not just tasty, they are a high protein falafel , and a fantastically simple way of getting more meatless food in your diet.

Once you've nailed this version, you can start experimenting with different herbs and spices, making your own unique blend! these falafel patties are not only a treat, they are a great source of energy that will last, now go on and make your own!

Alright, let's talk about making the perfect falafel recipe ! we've got all the basics down, but there are a few more tricks and tips to really take your falafel patties to the next level.

Think of these as the chef's notes, the little secrets that make all the difference.

Recipe Notes: Making Your Falafel Sing!

Honestly, i was a bit intimidated the first time i tried falafel . so many flavours! but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it's easier than making beans on toast.

Serving It Up Right: Plating and Presentation

You've got your crispy, golden falafel nuggets . What next? Well, presentation is key! Don’t just dump them on a plate.

  • Pita Power: Stuff those bad boys into warm pita bread with hummus, tahini, crunchy cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes. It’s a classic for a reason!
  • Mezze Magic: Create a proper Middle Eastern feast! Serve your high protein falafel alongside baba ghanoush, olives, and a fresh salad.
  • Bowled Over: Top a grain bowl with your falafel, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of tahini dressing. Quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying.

As for drinks, a sparkling water with lemon is lovely! And some mint tea would not go amiss!

Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips

Okay, so you've made a batch of vegetarian falafel but can't eat them all at once? No worries, I got you.

  • Fridge Fun: Pop any leftover falafel patties in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer Fantastic: For longer storage, freeze the cooked falafel in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating Rockstar: Reheat in the oven ( 350° F/ 175° C for 10- 15 minutes) for the best results. Microwaving works in a pinch, but they won't be as crispy. Honestly, if you want that falafel easy recipe taste, the oven is the way to go.

Remixing the Recipe: Variations

Want to switch things up? I hear you! Here are a couple of tasty twists:

  • gluten-free Goodness: Swap the all-purpose flour for chickpea flour (also known as gram flour). Still delicious!
  • Spicy Sensations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili to the falafel mixture for an extra kick.

Nutrition Nuggets: The Basics

So, you might be wondering, what's the deal with the numbers?

  • Calorie Count: Roughly 350-400 calories per serving.
  • Protein Punch: Each serving packs a respectable 15-20g of protein.
  • Fiber Fiesta: Expect 8-10g of fiber per serving.

Being oven meals vegetarian style with this recipe, it provides a good source of plant based protein and fiber, making it a fantastic choice for a meatless food meal.

Plus, baked falafel are low calorie falafel recipe , if you’re watching those numbers.

Okay, that’s all for now! honestly, making vegetarian falafel recipe at home is such a rewarding experience. don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own signature falafel blend.

Get in the kitchen and have a go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to soak the chickpeas for this falafel recipe, and can I skip it?

Soaking the chickpeas is absolutely crucial for making proper falafel! It softens them enough to be properly processed and helps bind the mixture together without becoming a paste. If you skip soaking and use canned chickpeas, you'll end up with mushy, sad falafel and nobody wants that!

Think of it like making a proper cup of tea you can't just throw a teabag in cold water, can you?

My falafel are falling apart when I fry them. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded falafel crumble! Several factors can cause this. First, make sure you're using dried chickpeas that have been soaked, not canned. Secondly, chilling the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying is really important this helps the mixture firm up.

Thirdly, don't overcrowd the fryer, or the oil temperature will drop, resulting in greasy and crumbly falafel. Frying in batches keeps that oil nice and hot!

Can I bake these falafel instead of frying them? I'm trying to be a bit healthier!

You certainly can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Place the falafel balls on the sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy.

They won't be quite as crispy as fried falafel, but it's a decent healthy alternative. Think of it as trading a full English breakfast for a bowl of porridge still good, just a bit different!

How long does this falafel recipe mixture last in the fridge, and can I freeze falafel?

The falafel mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Any longer, and the mixture can start to dry out, and the flavours can become a little too intense. For longer storage, falafel freeze beautifully!

Shape them into balls or patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2-3 months. Fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

What's the best way to serve falafel, and what sauces go well with it?

Falafel are incredibly versatile! The classic way is to serve them in a warm pita bread with hummus, tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled turnips. They also make a great addition to salads or grain bowls. As for sauces, tahini sauce is a must!

But you could also try a spicy sriracha mayo, a cooling yogurt sauce with mint, or even a dollop of baba ghanoush. Think of it like choosing your favourite toppings for a jacket potato the possibilities are endless!

Can I adjust the spices in this falafel recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with the spices to suit your taste. If you like a bit more heat, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it altogether or substitute it with more parsley.

You could also add a pinch of baharat spice blend for a more complex flavor. Adjusting spices is a great way to make this recipe your own and tailor it to your preferences.

Crispy Flavorful Homemade Falafel

My Crispy Falafel Recipe: Street Food Perfection at Home! Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:25 Mins
Cooking time:20 Mins
Servings:16-20 falafel (4-5 servings)

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories375
Fat22.5g
Fiber9g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineMiddle Eastern

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