Crispy Dreamy Homemade Falafel Balls
Crispy & Dreamy Homemade Falafel Balls (Just Like You Get from the Best Takeaway!)
Quick Hook: Fancy Some Falafel Balls?
Ever get a craving for proper Middle Eastern food ? I do! This falafel recipe nails those crispy, flavour packed falafel balls you crave.
It's healthier than a takeaway. Trust me, it's a winner, winner vegetarian dinner!
Brief Overview: A Taste of the Middle East
Falafel originates from the Middle East. It’s a staple, you know? Our version is medium difficulty. Give yourself around 45 minutes, excluding soaking time.
This recipe makes about 24-30 chickpea fritters , enough for 4-6 people.
Main Benefits: Healthy Comfort Food, Sorted
These homemade falafel are packed with fibre and protein. They're brilliant for a quick lunch. Or serve them at your next BBQ.
What makes this recipe special? You control the spice level! These are healthy comfort food at its best.
The Secret to Amazing Falafel
So, how do we get that perfect texture? The trick is dried chickpeas. Canned chickpeas just won't cut it. Trust me, I've tried! You'll want to soak those little blighters for at least 24 hours.
This is super important for good Vegetarian Dishes .
No-Fail Falafel Ingredients
Right, let's get into what you need. You'll need 1 cup of dried chickpeas. A yellow onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and spices like cumin and coriander.
A bit of baking soda helps, too. Flour binds it all.
Make it a Falafel Wrap Recipe
For a falafel wrap recipe , grab some pita bread, tahini sauce, and your favourite toppings. Tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce work wonders. You can even add a dollop of hummus. Delicious.
Where to find the Best Falafel Near Me?
Okay, okay, so you're thinking "where's the best falafel near me ?". Honestly? It's right here, in your kitchen! It is very easy to make delicious Vegan Falafel Recipe .
Plus, you get to brag you made it yourself.
Right, let's get down to brass tacks! We're making falafel balls , proper tasty ones, and nailing the ingredients and kit is key.
It’s all about that homemade falafel experience. No cutting corners, alright?
Bits and Bobs: Ingredients Sorted
First things first, the chickpeas. You need 1 cup (200g) of dried chickpeas . Not the tinned stuff, yeah? Soak 'em for 24 to 48 hours .
Trust me, this is crucial. They puff up like nobody's business, which is exactly what we want. Then there's 1 medium yellow onion , ½ cup of parsley , and ¼ cup of cilantro , all chopped roughly.
Four cloves of minced garlic goes in too. We need some lemon juice, too. Say 1 tablespoon will do.
For the spices, get your cumin and coriander out. 1 teaspoon of each. Then ½ teaspoon of baking soda . Gotta have a little chili powder and cayenne pepper .
Just ½ teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon respectively, if you like it spicy like me!. Salt and pepper 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper .
Finish it off with ¼ cup (30g) of plain flour . I use all-purpose but self raising will do.
Seasoning Superstar
Cumin and coriander are your base, yeah? It's that proper Middle Eastern flavour. The chili and cayenne will add a little kick, for sure! Lemon juice brightens it all up.
Parsley and cilantro gives it that fresh flavour. If you don't have something? Don't worry about it! Don't have parsley? More cilantro is ok! No cumin? Use paprika!
Gear You'll Need
You don't need much to make falafel recipe . You need a food processor, big time. A bowl for mixing. A slotted spoon or spider for fishing out the falafel balls .
You will need something to fry in! A deep fryer is really ideal. That or a large pot. Honestly, a deep frying thermometer is handy, especially if you are not use to frying.
It keeps the oil at that perfect 350° F ( 175° C) . Get a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
This absorbs excess oil from the vegetarian dishes .
That's it! Nothing too fancy. Time to get started on the falafel wrap recipe .
Crispy & Dreamy Homemade Falafel Balls (Just Like You Get from the Best Takeaway!)
Fancy a bit of Middle Eastern food tonight? Forget ordering in! I'm going to show you how to make amazing falafel balls at home.
Forget soggy shop bought ones. These are seriously good. Trust me, this falafel recipe is a game changer and a super tasty addition to your go-to vegetarian recipes .
You'll want to chuck out any notion to go to Best Falafel Near Me once you taste these!
Prep Like a Pro
First things first, get your mise en place sorted! Chop your onion, parsley, and cilantro. Mince that garlic too. Get everything ready before you start blending.
This is how all the vegetarian dishes can be so easy. Honestly, being organised saves you so much time, you know?
Let's Get Rolling: The step-by-step
- Soak those dried chickpeas for 24- 48 hours . Don't even think about using canned ones.
- Drain and thoroughly dry the chickpeas. This is super important!
- Blitz everything in a food processor. We're talking chickpeas, herbs, spices, and a bit of flour. Don't overdo it you want a coarse texture, not a paste.
- Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes . This helps them stick together.
- Roll 'em into balls or flatten into patties.
- Heat your oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Fry those bad boys in batches for 3- 4 minutes per side. Aim for golden brown perfection.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately. Hello, falafel wrap recipe !
Pro Tips for Falafel Glory
Here's a little secret don't skip the resting stage! It really makes a difference. Another tip? Don't overcrowd the fryer.
Otherwise, you'll end up with sad, soggy falafel. If you want a vegan falafel recipe , just skip adding an egg although this is usually not needed!
These chickpea fritters are total healthy comfort food . So there you have it, you've become an expert at Homemade Falafel making.
Perfect for a quick snack, a falafel wrap recipe , or part of a big Middle Eastern feast. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Epic Falafel Balls
Right then, before you dive into making these falafel balls , let's have a quick chinwag about a few important bits and bobs.
This ain't just a Falafel Recipe ; it's the falafel recipe, and a few pointers can make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Falafel Game
Okay, picture this: crispy, golden falafel balls nestled in a warm pita. Lush, eh? But hold on, it gets better.
Plating is key, my friend! Think vibrant colours. Add a generous dollop of creamy hummus, a drizzle of tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Serve alongside some pickled turnips for a right proper Middle Eastern Food feast. A refreshing mint lemonade goes down a treat too.
Don't forget your chips!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! These Chickpea Fritters will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Just pop them in an airtight container.
Fancy freezing them? You can! Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze individually. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag.
When you're ready to eat, bake them in the oven at 175° C ( 350° F) until heated through. They won't be quite as crispy as freshly fried, but still absolutely delicious!
Variations: Spice it Up, Keep it Vegan
Fancy a bit of a twist? To make these falafel balls a bit more interesting, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
Or, finely chop a jalapeño if you're feeling brave. For a Vegan Falafel Recipe , simply ensure your serving accompaniments (like tahini sauce) are also vegan.
This is so good and it becomes your Healthy Comfort Food ! Honestly! Loads of people look for Best Falafel Near Me , but you can create the best falafel at your home.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's talk numbers. These homemade falafel are a great source of protein and fiber. They're also packed with vitamins and minerals from the chickpeas and fresh herbs.
So, you're basically eating something that's good for you and tastes amazing. Win-win! Nutrition info: About 350-400 calories, 15-20g of protein, and 10-12g of fiber per serving (5 falafel balls).
There you have it! A few extra tips to make your falafel experience even better. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting.
So get in the kitchen and whip up some Vegetarian Dishes that will make your taste buds sing! This Falafel Wrap Recipe is a great choice for a healthy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my falafel balls falling apart when I fry them?
Oh dear, nobody wants a falafel disaster! This usually happens if the mixture is too wet or hasn't rested long enough. Try adding a bit more flour (a tablespoon at a time) to the falafel mixture until it binds better.
Also, chilling the mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before frying really helps them hold their shape think of it as their pre-fry spa treatment!
Can I bake falafel balls instead of frying them?
You can indeed! Baking falafel balls is a healthier alternative to frying, but the texture will be slightly different less crispy, more like a baked savory cookie. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), lightly coat the falafel balls with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
They won't be quite as indulgent, but they'll still be a tasty and good for-you option.
What's the best way to store leftover falafel balls?
Leftover falafel are a real treat the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up, or microwave them for a quick fix (although they might lose a bit of their crispiness).
You can also freeze cooked falafel balls for up to 2 months; just make sure to thaw them completely before reheating.
I've heard canned chickpeas are a no-no. Why can't I use canned chickpeas to make falafel balls?
That’s absolutely right! Canned chickpeas are a no-go for proper falafel. The magic of falafel comes from the dried chickpeas that have been soaked. This process gives them a unique texture that's crucial for binding the mixture and achieving that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside result.
Canned chickpeas are too soft and moist, leading to a mushy, sad falafel situation and nobody wants that!
Are falafel balls healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
Falafel balls can be a surprisingly healthy choice, especially if you bake them! They're packed with plant based protein and fiber from the chickpeas, and the herbs add a boost of vitamins. However, keep in mind that frying adds extra calories and fat.
Portion control is key, and loading them up with fresh veggies and a dollop of tahini sauce can make them a truly nutritious and satisfying meal, a bit like a Middle Eastern superfood!
Can I make falafel balls ahead of time?
Absolutely, batch cooking falafel is a savvy move for busy bees! You can prepare the falafel mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
You can also shape the falafel balls and store them in the fridge on a tray lined with parchment paper. However, for the best results, fry them just before serving to ensure they're perfectly crispy and fresh because nobody likes a soggy bottom!
Crispy Dreamy Homemade Falafel Balls
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 11g |
