If you’re craving a delicious and healthy meal, this crispy falafel recipe is perfect for a filling lunch or dinner. Made with nutritious ingredients, including chickpeas and fragrant herbs and spices, these falafels are easy to make and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets, and will definitely satisfy your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas (15oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients and Pulse
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until they’re coarse and crumbly. Add the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well-mixed. Sprinkle the flour and baking powder into the food processor and pulse a few more times until everything is combined. If the mixture seems too dry to hold its shape, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and pulse again.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Falafels
Form the chickpea mixture into 1-inch balls or patties. Heat a skillet with enough oil to cover the bottom over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the patties or balls, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the falafels until they’re golden brown and crispy, flipping occasionally to cook both sides. This should take about 5 minutes per side. If you’re making a large batch, transfer the cooked falafels to a baking sheet lined with paper towels and place them in the oven to keep warm while the rest are cooking.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once your falafels are all done and crispy, you can serve them in a salad, in a pita sandwich, or with some hummus and veggies. Get creative with your toppings, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, tahini sauce, or hot sauce. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful, and healthy falafels!
If you’re looking for more inspiration on how to use your freshly made falafels, try this recipe for a delicious and easy Falafel Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of mixed greens
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 4 falafels, chopped or crumbled
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat. Top the salad with the crumbled or chopped falafels, and serve immediately.
Enjoy this healthy and delicious falafel recipe with your family and friends. You won’t believe how easy it is to make such a nutritious and hearty meal with pantry staples and fresh ingredients. This is a great way to introduce your loved ones to Middle Eastern cuisine, and to show them how satisfying eating vegan or vegetarian can be. Happy Cooking!