Homemade Falafel Recipe
Falafel is a healthy and delicious dish that can be made at home. This easy recipe shows how to make crispy falafel on the outside and soft on the inside using simple ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting, this Mediterranean classic will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Falafel Mixture:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked for 24 hours or quick soaked for 1 hour
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- ½ cup chopped shallot or onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 to 4 tablespoons flour for binding
- For Cooking:
- Oil for deep frying or baking sheet for baking or air frying
Instructions
- Soak dried chickpeas in water for 24 hours. Drain and rinse.
- Blend soaked chickpeas with chopped cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add baking powder, olive oil, and flour to the mixture to bind. Mix thoroughly.
- Let the mixture rest in the fridge for 15 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1.5 inches wide) or patties.
- For deep frying: Heat oil to 360°F (180°C) and fry for about 4 minutes per batch.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), place the falafel on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with tahini sauce, salad, pita bread, or as part of a Mediterranean platter.
Notes
- Soaking chickpeas for 12-24 hours ensures the right texture for falafel. Using canned chickpeas will make the falafel too soft.
- You can freeze uncooked falafel balls for up to 1 month.
- For healthier options, bake or air fry the falafel.
- Serve with a variety of sauces such as tahini, tzatziki, hummus, or garlic sauce.
- Falafel can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated by dropping in boiling water for 30 seconds.