Vegan Falafel Recipe

This vegan falafel recipe holds a special place in my heart because it is a staple in Jordanian breakfast alongside other iconic dishes like hummus, foul moudamas, and egg omelets. It’s a cherished part of our food tradition in Jordan and across various Middle Eastern countries. The aroma of freshly fried falafel, the crisp crust, and the vibrant green hue inside evoke many memories. It reminds me of lazy weekend mornings and busy streets filled with the enticing scent of street food. Moreover, the falafel seasoning and ingredients I use in this falafel plate are simply irresistible. Oh, and if you’re wondering, “is falafel vegan,” you’ll be happy to know that the answer is a resounding YES!

In my blog post “Here’s What My Jordanian Breakfast Taught Me,” we delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Jordanian breakfast, sharing personal stories and insights about this beloved food tradition. Join me on this journey as we explore the significance of falafel and its role in Jordanian breakfast. Also, discover my treasured, easy vegan falafel recipe and my secrets behind achieving that perfect taste and texture at home. In addition, I’ll be teaching you what goes with falafel below. So, if you’re looking to get your falafel fix, continue to read on!

What is Falafel?

Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity worldwide. It consists of deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with a blend of herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients. The origins of falafel can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where it was initially made with fava beans. Over time, the recipe evolved, and chickpeas became the primary ingredient in many regions. 

However, you’ll find variations of falafel across the Middle East and North Africa, each with its own unique twist. It’s known as ta’ameya in Egypt and is often made exclusively with fava beans. Whereas a Lebanese falafel recipe tends to be made with a combination of chickpeas and fava beans. However, Palestinian and Jordanian falafel is generally made with a predominantly chickpea base.

The same goes for Greek falafel. The choice of spices and herbs also varies, with cumin, coriander, and parsley being common ingredients. These regional variations highlight the rich culinary diversity and cultural heritage associated with falafel. No matter the region, you can make a tasty falafel appetizer or meal using these deliciously deep-fried patties. Moreover, I have perfected this vegan falafel recipe over the years. As a result, I believe this is the best falafel mix I have ever tasted!

What does falafel taste like?

Falafel has a distinct savory and aromatic flavor profile. It is often described as nutty, earthy, and herbaceous. The combination of ingredients such as chickpeas, herbs (like parsley and cilantro), garlic, and common falafel spices (such as cumin and coriander) contribute to its unique taste. The exterior is typically crispy, while the interior remains moist and tender. The flavors are well-balanced and can be enhanced with various sauces and toppings, making falafel a delicious and versatile dish. Needless to say, every falafel bite is a pure vegan delight!

Is falafel gluten-free?

Does falafel have gluten? This depends on whether or not it contains gluten ingredients. For example, some falafel recipes ask for flour. This would mean that your falafel is NOT gluten-free. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t make gluten-free falafel. You’ll be happy to know that my vegan falafel recipe here is also gluten-free, as it does not contain any flour or other gluten ingredients! This gluten-free falafel recipe is not only delicious but much healthier than many of those you buy at the store or restaurant. People often ask me, “Are falafels gluten-free,” so I wanted to make sure to highlight this information.

What to eat with falafel?

If you’re wondering how to serve falafel, you’ll be happy to learn that there are a lot of creative ways to enjoy this delicious recipe. To clarify, if you want to have simply falafel alone, that’s perfectly fine. However, there are many great pairings to share them with. For example, if you’re throwing a party, you can make delectable falafel platters alongside other finger foods. If you’re looking to make an actual meal out of falafel, you may want to consider a falafel gyro recipe, falafel shawarma, or a traditional hummus and falafel plate. You can even enjoy a falafel kebab or falafel rice bowl as a meal. Now, if you want to know what to serve with falafel separately, check out these delicious suggestions to make an amazing falafel plate below. All of which make for the perfect complimentary falafel sides or can be included in a falafel platter.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Vegan Falafel Recipe:

1-Do you want to know what to dip falafel in? If so, there are many delectable falafel dipping sauce options out there. All of which bring you the pleasure to enjoy these falafel bites as a standalone appetizer or snack. You can dip the falafel into an assortment of Middle Eastern dips, such as the rich and nutty muhammara, creamy hummus, and vibrant beet hummus. Plus, Falafel and hummus together are simply delicious. As a result, hummus is a very common falafel dip sauce

2-Classic Falafel Sandwich: Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm pita bread filled with freshly fried falafel and a light spread of creamy hummus. The falafel’s crisp exterior and tender interior perfectly complement the cool and refreshing tahini tomato-cucumber salad, adding freshness and crunch to every bite. Lavash Wrap: Roll your homemade falafel in thin, soft lavash bread for a different twist. Add slices of fried eggplant and potatoes to create a medley of flavors and textures. The creamy and tangy yogurt sauce or a drizzle of tahini dressing adds a delightful creaminess that enhances the overall experience. This portable option is great for meals on the go or as a packed lunch.

3-Falafel Bowl: Picture a vibrant and colorful bowl where the show’s star is the falafel itself. Nestled on a bed of fluffy couscous or rice, the falafel is accompanied by an array of tantalizing toppings and sides. Creamy hummus, zesty tabbouleh, and a medley of chopped vegetables offer a harmonious combination of flavors. Adding baba ganoush, olives, cucumber pickles, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce provides a satisfying and well-rounded meal experience.

4-Mezze Platter: Prepare a grand feast by assembling a mezze platter featuring various Middle Eastern delights. Arrange falafel alongside traditional dishes like tabbouleh, kibbeh, manakish, hummus, mutable, and baba ganoush. The contrast of flavors, from the tanginess of the hummus to the smoky notes of baba ganoush, creates a memorable dining experience.

Key Tips and Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Falafel

To achieve the authentic texture and flavor of homemade falafel. it’s essential to start with dry garbanzo beans and soak them for at least 12 hours. For every 2 cups of dry beans, you’ll end up with approximately 4 1/2 cups (29 oz) of fully soaked beans, nearly doubling in weight. This yield should provide around 22 pieces of falafel, each weighing about 1.3 oz. In this vegan falafel recipe, 

I incorporated both baking powder and baking soda to enhance the falafel’s texture and rise. A general rule of thumb when using both leavening agents is to use approximately 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda per cup of soaked beans. 

Additionally, I added two tablespoons of sesame seeds to the garbanzo mixture before grinding, eliminating the need for flour in the recipe. I sprinkled some sesame seeds onto the formed falafel patties for an extra touch of nutty flavor and crunch.