Falafel Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Additional Time
1 d
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Total Time
1 d 50 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
339 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Falafel Recipe
Description
Falafel is made by soaking dried chickpeas overnight to soften them, then grinding them with garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, fresh parsley, cilantro, salt, pepper, baking soda, and lemon juice. This mixture forms a dense paste which is then shaped into small patties about 1.5 inches across. Cooking involves shallow frying in vegetable oil at medium-high heat until the falafel develops a deep golden crust, which takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.
The seasoned chickpea and herb blend creates a texture that balances the crunch of the fried exterior with a moist, flavorful interior. The inclusion of baking soda lightens the texture slightly by creating some lift during frying. The fresh herbs and spices make the falafel aromatic without overwhelming heat.
Serve falafel immediately after frying for best texture, typically inside pita bread or flatbreads with accompaniments like tahini sauce, yogurt, salad, or pickled vegetables. The recipe’s simplicity allows easy customization of spice levels and herbs as preferred.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups chickpeas uncooked, do not use canned, dried
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1/2 cup onion coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste
- 1/2 cup parsley fresh leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro fresh leaves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let the chickpeas soak for 24 hours, adding more water to cover if needed.
- Drain the chickpeas, then place them in a food processor along with the garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, parsley, cilantro, salt, pepper, baking soda and lemon juice.
- Process until a mostly smooth paste forms. You can add water, 1-2 teaspoons at a time if the consistency does not look right.
- Form the chickpea mixture into 1 1/2 inch patties. Heat 1 inch of oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
- Placethe patties in a single layer in the pan. You may need to work in batches.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until deep golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 339 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 339kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 747mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 865mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 16g | 64% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 890IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 17mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 122mg | 12% |
| Iron | 7mg | 39% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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