Falafel
Veg
Vegan
Deep-fried balls of spiced ground chickpeas and herbs with a crisp crust and fluffy interior — served in pita with tahini, salad, and pickled turnip.
Cuisines
Levantine
Best for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Recipe
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 35 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 1 cup | dried chickpeas |
| 1 medium | onion, chopped |
| 3 cloves | garlic, minced |
| 1 cup | fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1 cup | fresh cilantro, chopped |
| 1 teaspoon | ground cumin |
| 1 teaspoon | ground coriander |
| 1 teaspoon | baking powder |
| 1 teaspoon | salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon | black pepper |
| 1/4 teaspoon | cayenne pepper |
| 2 tablespoons | all-purpose flour |
| — | vegetable oil for frying |
Instructions
- 1 Rinse the dried chickpeas and soak them in water for at least 12 hours or overnight.
- 2 Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas thoroughly.
- 3 In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and grainy.
- 4 Add cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and flour to the mixture. Pulse until well combined.
- 5 Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 6 Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C).
- 7 Shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties using your hands or a falafel scoop.
- 8 Carefully drop the falafel into the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- 9 Remove the falafel with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- 10 Serve hot with pita bread, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Tips
For best results, do not use canned chickpeas as they are too moist and will not hold together well.