The Ultimate Crispy & Herby Falafel
Craving authentic falafel? My easy falafel recipe is packed with herbs & spices! Get crispy falafel at home that's better than takeout. Recipe & tips inside! ... Global Fusion
Okay, here’s a blog section all about my fave falafel recipe , with a bit of my personality thrown in!
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving something seriously delicious? i know i do! like, wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night, gotta-have-it cravings. well, this falafel recipe is exactly what you need.
It's all about that perfectly crispy falafel at home experience, bursting with fresh, vibrant, middle eastern flavors.
Quick Hook: Craving Crispy Goodness?
This homemade falafel is your passport to the Middle East. These little chickpea fritters are like sunshine in a bite! Seriously though, who doesn't love a good falafel pita sandwich ?
Brief Overview: Middle Eastern Magic
Falafel originated in the middle east, probably egypt, and it's been a staple for centuries. making authentic falafel with tahini sauce at home might sound intimidating, but i promise this easy falafel recipe is totally doable.
This vegan falafel recipe is a medium difficulty, and will take you around 1 hour of preparation and cooking time, excluding soaking time, this recipe yields enough to serve 6-8 people as a sharing platter or 4 as a main course.
Main Benefits: Healthy & Delicious
Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber. this authentic falafel recipe is naturally vegan , so it's perfect for a plant-based feast.
It is perfect for that summer bbq with friends, or just a quick weeknight meal. what makes this recipe special? the perfect balance of herbs and spices, and of course, the irresistible crunch! and honestly, it’s way better than anything you can get from most takeaways.
The Ultimate Crispy & Herby Falafel Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Falafel Recipe Arsenal
Alright, mate, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up some seriously crispy falafel at home . honestly, getting the right ingredients and having a couple of key tools makes all the difference.
This ain't rocket science, promise! and, with this easy falafel recipe , you'll have everyone thinking you are a middle eastern falafel master!.
Main Ingredients: The Authentic Falafel Recipe Foundation
First things first, the stars of the show!
Dried chickpeas: 1 pound (450g) . now, this is crucial. you absolutely must use dried chickpeas. canned ones are a big no-no for homemade falafel because they are too soft.
Quality-wise, look for chickpeas that are uniform in color and size, with no signs of damage. trust me, it'll affect the texture.
You need to soak them in cold water for 12- 24 hours . i usually start this the night before.
Onion: 1 small yellow onion , roughly chopped (approx. 1 cup, 150g). Just a regular, everyday onion.
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic!
Fresh Herbs: 1 cup (packed, approx. 50g) fresh cilantro and 1 cup (packed, approx. 50g) fresh parsley , roughly chopped. Fresh herbs are non-negotiable for that zingy flavour.
Flour: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour .
Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons . Adds a lovely nutty touch.
Spices: 1 tablespoon ground cumin , 1 tablespoon ground coriander , 1 teaspoon salt , 1/2 teaspoon black pepper , 1 teaspoon baking powder , 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) .
Oil: Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill your pot/pan at least 2-3 inches deep).
Seasoning Notes: Secret Spice Blends
The secret to a killer vegan falafel recipe lies in the spice blend. cumin and coriander are the backbone. if you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne adds a lovely warmth.
If you want to go falafel with tahini sauce or make a falafel pita sandwich , make sure that you add a little more punch! for a really authentic falafel recipe , consider adding a tiny pinch of ground cardamom.
Equipment Needed: The Essentials
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make fantastic chickpea fritters recipe .
- Food Processor: Absolutely essential. You'll need it to grind the chickpeas and herbs.
- Deep Pot or Deep Fryer: For frying the falafel.
- Slotted Spoon or Spider: To remove the falafel from the oil.
- Thermometer (optional): If you want to be precise about the oil temperature. Aim for around 350° F ( 175° C) for fried falafel recipe .
Honestly, that's all you need to get started! Now, let's get cooking!
Alright, let's dive headfirst into the world of homemade falafel ! this isn't just any falafel recipe ; it's the falafel recipe that'll have you ditching takeout for good.
Seriously, once you taste these crispy falafel at home , you'll wonder why you ever settled for less. i'm talking about authentic falafel recipe vibes here.
Cooking Method: Fry it Right!
Frying falafel can seem daunting, i know. i remember the first time i tried it. it was a disaster, honestly .
But fear not! with a few simple steps, you'll be a fried falafel recipe pro in no time.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized
First, essential mise en place is key. get everything prepped. chop your herbs. measure your spices. this saves you a world of stress later.
For time-saving organization tips , i like to prep everything the night before, especially the soaking chickpeas. safety first!. when frying, always use caution with hot oil to prevent burns.
Step-by-Step Process: The Falafel Dance
Here's the lowdown:
- Soak your chickpeas for 12- 24 hours. Don't skip this. Seriously.
- Whiz everything up in a food processor.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes. This is crucial.
- Shape into balls or patties.
- Heat your oil to 350° F ( 175° C).
- Fry in batches for 3- 5 minutes , flipping as needed. Aim for golden-brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Falafel Like a Boss
Want crispy falafel at home ? Here are a few secrets:
- Don't overcrowd the pot! This lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy falafel.
- Chill the mixture! Seriously, this helps them hold their shape.
- Make-ahead option: You can freeze the un-fried falafel. Just thaw before frying.
Enjoy these chickpea fritters recipe and why not eat it as falafel pita sandwich . this vegan falafel recipe is fantastic.
Get ready to enjoy delicious falafel with tahini sauce . you now know the easy falafel recipe . try adding a little jalapeño for extra kick to the middle eastern falafel .
Alright, let's chat about making your falafel recipe the absolute best it can be. Honestly, a great recipe is only half the battle. The little extras make all the difference!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Falafel Game
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!
Okay, so you've got this glorious batch of homemade falafel . Now what? Presentation matters, you know? Think about it: a messy plate is not going to get those Instagram likes! I'm telling you!
For a simple but elegant touch, arrange your crispy falafel at home on a bed of fresh greens. A dollop of falafel with tahini sauce alongside looks amazing.
Want to go bigger? Build a full-on falafel pita sandwich bar. Include all the fixings. Hummus, pickled veggies, all that jazz. People can build their own! A refreshing mint lemonade? Absolute winner.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Let's be real, sometimes you make too much Middle Eastern falafel . No worries!
Got leftovers? They'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Pop them in an airtight container, yeah?
Freezing? honestly, cooked falafel isn’t the best after freezing, they’ll get a bit mushy. but if you must , freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Reheat in the oven for the best texture. it is best to make fresh every time!.
Reheating's easy. Oven's best. A quick zap in the microwave will work in a pinch.
Variations: Switch It Up, Mate!
Okay, so maybe you're not feeling the chickpea vibe. Or maybe you're going for a vegan falafel recipe . No worries!
Got a dietary need? Adaptations are simple. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour.
Seasonal swaps? Totally! Add roasted sweet potatoes in the fall. Fresh spinach in the spring.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Let's keep it real simple. These chickpea fritters recipe is packed with protein and fiber. Awesome, right? The authentic falafel recipe also uses healthy herbs and spices.
One serving is around 350 calories. It is a good balance of carbs, protein, and fats.
Enjoy Your Epic Easy Falafel Recipe
So there you have it! my best tips for taking your fried falafel recipe from good to amazing . this authentic falafel recipe is the real deal!.
Have fun with it, don't be afraid to experiment, and enjoy every bite! you got this, mate!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my falafel falling apart when I fry them?
That's a right bother, isn't it? The most common culprit is too much moisture or not enough binding. Make sure you've thoroughly drained the soaked chickpeas. Chilling the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying is also crucial, as it helps the mixture firm up and hold its shape better. You can also add a touch more flour if needed, but be careful not to overdo it, or they'll be tough.
Can I use canned chickpeas for this falafel recipe?
Unfortunately, using canned chickpeas is a no-go for traditional falafel. Canned chickpeas are already cooked and too soft, resulting in a mushy texture and falafel that fall apart easily. You absolutely need to start with dried chickpeas that have been soaked for 12-24 hours; this gives the falafel the right texture and allows them to bind properly.
How do I store leftover falafel and how long will they last?
To keep your leftover falafel tasting their best, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll generally last for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just be sure to reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the crispiest result; microwaving can make them a bit soggy, like a soggy bottom in the great british bake-off.
What temperature should the oil be for frying falafel?
To get that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior without burning the outside or leaving the inside raw, aim for an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is helpful, but if you don't have one, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of falafel mixture in; it should sizzle and brown nicely in a few minutes. This step is crucial to any great falafel recipe.
Can I bake or air fry the falafel instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! Baking or air frying are healthier alternatives. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different from deep-fried falafel, but still delicious. You won't quite achieve the same level of crispiness, mind you!
Are falafel healthy? What's the nutritional value like?
Falafel can be a nutritious addition to your diet! They are a good source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. However, they can also be high in fat, especially if deep-fried. Baking or air-frying will significantly reduce the fat content. Also they are packed with lots of lovely fresh herbs that are great for you. As with anything, moderation is key, and consider your serving size.
