Homemade Falafel Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
15 falafels patties
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Calories
37 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Homemade Falafel Recipe
Description
This Homemade Falafel Recipe uses canned chickpeas combined with aromatics including red onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and a blend of spices such as cumin and chili powder. The addition of lemon zest and juice adds brightness to the mixture. Flour and baking powder help bind the mixture and lighten the texture slightly. The coarse blend ensures a not-too-smooth texture preserving some bite.
The falafel is formed into flattened patties then pan-fried in vegetable oil over medium-high heat until each side is golden and crisp. This frying method produces a crunchy exterior with a tender interior that holds together well. The herby, spiced flavor and textures make for a satisfying vegetarian protein option.
Serve falafel with tahini sauce, which combines tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice whisked to a smooth dressing. This adds a creamy, tangy component that pairs well with the savory patties. The recipe’s flexibility allows using only parsley if cilantro is unavailable and also supports forming balls for frying. This falafel is excellent as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal.
Parsley can be used alone if cilantro is unavailable; fresh mint leaves can be added for extra flavor.Falafel can be shaped into round balls and deep-fried as an alternative to pan-frying patties.Prepare tahini sauce by whisking tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt; adjust consistency with water as needed.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces chickpeas 1 can, drained & rinsed, canned
- ½ small red onion peeled & quartered
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- ⅓ cup flat leaf parsley packed
- ⅓ cup cilantro packed
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Zest and juice the lemon. In a large food processor add chickpeas, red onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, baking powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until the mixture is coarse but not mushy. Scoop out 2 tablespoon round balls and slightly flatten to form patties. If the mixture will not hold together stir in a little more flour.
- Add vegetable oil to a large 12" skillet and set over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot add the falafel patties to the oil and cook until golden brown, flip the falafel and cook until the other side is golden brown.
- Remove from the oil and place onto a paper towel lined plate. Continue cooking until all your patties have been made.
- If you run out of oil add a little more vegetable oil to the pan and finish making your falafel patties.
Notes
- Parsley can be used alone if cilantro is unavailable; fresh mint leaves can be added for extra flavor.
- Falafel can be shaped into round balls and deep-fried as an alternative to pan-frying patties.
- Prepare tahini sauce by whisking tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt; adjust consistency with water as needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15falafels patties
Amount Per Serving
Calories 37 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 37 | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 158mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 49mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 206IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 19mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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