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Indulge in the authentic flavors of the Middle East with this delightful falafel recipe. Experience the crispy texture and aromatic spices that make this dish a beloved favorite. We hope you enjoy recreating this traditional recipe in your own kitchen!
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 30 Minutes.
Cook Time: 15 Minutes
How Many Servings?
6-8 Servings
Ingredients:
1X
2X
3X
Adjust Servings
| 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight | |
| 1 cup fresh parsley about half an oz | |
| 1 cup fresh cilantro about half an oz | |
| 1 small onion, chopped | |
| 6 cloves garlic, chopped | |
| 1 small jalapeno pepper chopped | |
| 2 teaspoons ground cumin | |
| 2 teaspoons ground coriander | |
| 1 teaspoon salt | |
| 2 teaspoons baking powder | |
| 1 teaspoon baking soda | |
| 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds | |
| Vegetable oil for frying |
Preparation
1
Prep the Chickpeas
After soaking your chickpeas overnight, drain and rinse them well. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, then transfer them to a food processor.
After soaking your chickpeas overnight, drain and rinse them well. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, then transfer them to a food processor.
2
Add Herbs & Spices
To the food processor, add cumin, coriander, jalapeño pepper, and salt. Pulse a few times. Then add parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic, and continue pulsing until the mixture is coarsely ground and evenly combined.
To the food processor, add cumin, coriander, jalapeño pepper, and salt. Pulse a few times. Then add parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic, and continue pulsing until the mixture is coarsely ground and evenly combined.
3
Mix & Chill the Falafel Dough
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir until it becomes sticky and holds together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this helps the flavors develop and makes shaping the falafel much easier.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir until it becomes sticky and holds together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this helps the flavors develop and makes shaping the falafel much easier.
4
Prep for Frying
Heat a deep frying pan with a few inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, mix baking powder, baking soda, and sesame seeds into the chilled falafel mixture until fully combined.
Heat a deep frying pan with a few inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, mix baking powder, baking soda, and sesame seeds into the chilled falafel mixture until fully combined.
5
Shape the Falafel
Form the mixture into small balls or patties using a falafel scoop, ice cream scoop, or your hands. For even frying and a lighter texture, gently poke a small hole in the center of each falafel with a toothpick.
Form the mixture into small balls or patties using a falafel scoop, ice cream scoop, or your hands. For even frying and a lighter texture, gently poke a small hole in the center of each falafel with a toothpick.
6
Fry Until Golden & Crispy
Carefully lower the falafel into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, then drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Carefully lower the falafel into the hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, then drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7
Serve & Enjoy
Serve your falafel hot with tahini sauce, hummus, warm pita bread, and your favorite sides like pickles, tabbouleh, or chopped salad. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite of your homemade falafel!
Serve your falafel hot with tahini sauce, hummus, warm pita bread, and your favorite sides like pickles, tabbouleh, or chopped salad. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite of your homemade falafel!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Storage and Freezing Instructions: Falafel Mixture (Uncooked):
Store the uncooked falafel mixture in an airtight container.
Refrigerate: You can refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before cooking. Be sure to cover it tightly.
Freeze: To freeze the mixture for longer storage, portion it into individual falafel-sized portions. Place these portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the portions to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date.
Frozen falafel mixture can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, you can cook the frozen falafel directly from the freezer without thawing. Simply follow the cooking instructions.
Storage and Freezing Instructions: Cooked Falafel (After Frying):
Allow the cooked falafel to cool completely at room temperature.
Store in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
Refrigerate: Cooked falafel can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it's stored properly to maintain freshness.
Freeze: To freeze cooked falafel, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date.
Frozen cooked falafel can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheat frozen falafel by baking in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave, but the oven method is preferred for retaining the crispy texture.