Homemade Falafel Recipe
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
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Servings
19 falafel
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Calories
108 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Appetizer
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Homemade Falafel Recipe
Description
The Homemade Falafel Recipe begins by processing drained chickpeas with fresh red onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, salt, cayenne pepper, and cumin to form a coarse paste. Baking powder and all-purpose flour are added to bind the mixture, which is refrigerated to meld the flavors and firm up. Shaping the mixture into small patties allows frying to a crisp exterior while retaining a tender interior. The use of canned chickpeas makes this accessible while still providing the traditional herbaceous flavor through fresh parsley and cilantro.
This mixture can be made ahead and frozen in individual patties, facilitating quick preparation at a later time. The seasoning levels can be modified to taste, while the texture depends on using enough flour for a cohesive form without becoming dense. The falafel pairs well with various dips or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
- 2 15 oz. chickpeas $1.72, canned
- ¼ red onion $0.26
- 1 parsley $0.26, fresh, handful, about ¼ bunch
- 1 cilantro $0.17, fresh, handful, about ¼ bunch
- 4 cloves garlic $0.12
- 1 tsp salt $0.01
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper $0.13
- 1 tsp cumin $0.08, ground
- 1 tsp baking powder $0.04
- ½ cup all-purpose flour $0.07
- ¼ cup neutral cooking oil $0.22, for frying
Instructions
- Rinse and drain the chickpeas in a colander. Add the chickpeas to a food processor with the red onion, parsley, cilantro, salt, cayenne, garlic and cumin.
- Process the mixture until it forms a chunky paste. A little texture to the mixture is usually desirable. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure the mixture is an even texture.
- Place the mixture into a bowl and add the baking powder. Begin adding flour, 2 Tbsp at a time, until the mixture becomes cohesive enough to form into patties and not stick to your hands. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
- Using a small measuring cup or scoop (about 1/8th cup or 2 Tbsp), form the mixture into small patties.
- If freezing the patties for later, place them on a parchment lined baking sheet so they can freeze without sticking together. The patties can be transferred to an air-tight container or freezer bag for long-term storage once they have frozen through.
- To cook the fresh or frozen patties, heat oil in a skillet (or pot if deep frying) until very hot and shimmering, but not smoking. Cook the patties on each side until deep golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Using garbanzo bean flour instead of all-purpose flour will enhance flavor and texture but all-purpose flour is an acceptable substitute.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 19falafel
Amount Per Serving
Calories 108 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 108kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Sodium | 148mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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