Best Falafel Recipe: Crispy Delights You Can’t Resist

If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, you’ve likely come across falafel – a flavorful and satisfying dish made from chickpeas or fava beans. This vegetarian delight is loved for its crispy exterior, tender interior, and mouthwatering blend of herbs and spices. In this article, we’ll explore the best falafel recipe, guiding you step-by-step to create restaurant-quality falafel right in your own kitchen.

Recipe for Falafel

Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients you’ll need:

For the Falafel:

• 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (or canned, drained chickpeas)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3-4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Serving:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Hummus
• Tahini sauce
• Chopped fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
• Pickles
• Hot sauce (optional)

Falafel Recipe

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating the best falafel:

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

1. If using dried chickpeas, place them in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak overnight. Drain the soaked chickpeas before using.
2. If using canned chickpeas, ensure they are thoroughly drained and rinsed.

Step 2: Blend the Falafel Mixture

1. In a food processor, add the soaked or canned chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if desired), lemon juice, and baking powder.
2. Pulse the ingredients until they are well combined and form a coarse mixture. Be careful not to over-process, as the texture should be slightly chunky.

Step 3: Forming the Falafel Balls

1. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix well.
2. The mixture should be soft and pliable. If it feels too wet, add another tablespoon of flour and mix until the desired consistency is achieved.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the mixture will make it easier to shape the falafel balls.

Step 4: Frying the Falafel

1. In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
2. While the oil is heating, shape the chilled falafel mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Gently drop the falafel balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Fry the falafel for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Serving the Falafel

1. Serve the freshly fried falafel in warm pita bread or flatbread.
2. Add a generous dollop of hummus, a drizzle of tahini sauce, and your favorite chopped fresh vegetables.
3. Don’t forget to include some pickles and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Enjoy Falafel

Congratulations! You’ve successfully prepared the best falafel right at home. The crispy exterior and flavorful interior of these chickpea delights will surely impress your taste buds. Enjoy the authentic taste of the Middle East with this vegetarian delight that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or satisfying meal.

Now, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and treat yourself to the savory goodness of homemade falafel. Get ready to savor every crispy and flavorful bite!

FAQs

FAQ 1: Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas as a convenient alternative. However, if using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them well before using to achieve the best texture.

FAQ 2: Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?

While frying falafel gives it the traditional crispy texture, you can bake them as a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the falafel balls on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

FAQ 3: Can I freeze the falafel mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked falafel mixture. Shape the mixture into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the falafel balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, simply thaw and follow the frying or baking instructions.

FAQ 4: Are falafel gluten-free?

The basic falafel ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, some recipes may include flour as a binder. If you require a gluten-free option, you can use chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute.

FAQ 5: Can I customize the falafel mixture with additional spices or herbs?

Absolutely! The falafel recipe provided is a classic base, but you can personalize it to your taste. Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs such as paprika, turmeric, dill, or mint for a unique flavor twist.