Crispy Delicious Homemade Falafel
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of the Middle East? You know, the real deal? My Homemade Falafel Recipe is the one you need. Honestly, it's packed with flavour and ridiculously easy.
Brief Overview
Falafels are a staple of Middle Eastern Food and Arabic Food . They are often served in pitta bread or as part of a mezze.
This falafel recipe is a fairly easy one. It takes about 35 to 40 minutes plus the soaking time. It makes about 18-20 falafel balls.
That's about 4-5 servings.
Main Benefits
These crispy falafel are vegan and packed with protein. Perfect for a quick lunch or a party snack. What makes this Authentic Falafel Recipe special is the emphasis on soaking the chickpeas.
Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Ready to make the Best Falafel Recipe ever? Let's get to the ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Falafel Party Started!
Alright, so you want to make some proper Homemade Falafel ? Ace! First, let's gather all the bits and bobs.
This Falafel Recipe is easier than you think. Trust me, once you taste these Crispy Falafels , you'll be hooked!
Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Middle Eastern Food Magic
- 1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas . Seriously, don't use canned. Just don't. Quality is important here, make sure they smell fresh and are free from debris.
- 1 medium yellow onion . Roughly chopped.
- 4 cloves garlic . Minced.
- 1 cup (packed) fresh parsley . Roughly chopped. The greener, the better!
- 1/2 cup (packed) fresh cilantro . Roughly chopped. I know some people hate cilantro; it's fine to just use more parsley instead.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour (besan).
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin .
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander .
- 1 teaspoon baking powder . This is the secret to Easy falafel recipe .
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional). If you like a bit of a kick.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt .
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper .
- 4 cups (approximately 1 litre) vegetable oil for frying. You need something with a high smoke point.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Your Falafels )!
Cumin and coriander are the stars. They give it that Authentic Falafel Recipe flavour. You can always add a pinch of smoked paprika for a bit of extra depth.
Don't be afraid to experiment with other herbs! A bit of mint can really brighten things up. Feeling adventurous? A pinch of sumac adds a lovely lemony tang.
This Vegan Falafel Recipe is so versatile!.
Equipment Needed: Nothing Too Fancy
- Food processor. This is a must, honestly .
- Deep fryer or large, heavy bottomed pot.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer. For rescuing your falafels from the hot oil.
- Thermometer (optional). For keeping an eye on the oil temp at 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Paper towels. For draining the excess oil.
Right, that's all the gear sorted. Now, let's get cooking some Arabic Food that'll knock your socks off!.
Cooking Method: Frying Up the Perfect Homemade Falafel
Honestly, who needs a takeaway when you can whip up the best falafel recipe at home? We're talking proper crispy falafel , the kind that makes you want to ditch the diet and just dive in headfirst.
Let's get real, the secret to epic falafels is all in the frying.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: mise en place , darling. Basically, have all your ingredients prepped before you even think about turning on the hob.
This means chopping your onion and herbs. Also, make sure you've soaked your chickpeas for 12- 24 hours .
Don't even think about using canned chickpeas. Just don't.
step-by-step Frying Fun
- Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 350° F ( 175° C) . Oil temp is crucial so use a thermometer.
- Gently drop the falafel balls into the hot oil, without overcrowding. Only do a few at a time.
- Fry for about 3- 5 minutes , until they're a beautiful golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to scoop them out and place them on a paper towel lined plate.
- Serve immediately. Seriously, they're best fresh!
Pro Tips: Falafel Frying Ninja Moves
Don't overcrowd the fryer. This is the fastest way to get soggy falafel . Nobody wants that. If your oil isn't hot enough, you'll end up with greasy falafel.
Keep that temperature steady. Always aim to make your falafels vegan falafel recipe .
You know, making Arabic Food is much easier than you think. It all comes down to a few simple techniques.
Middle Eastern Food is a labour of love and the best food in the world, but the easy falafel recipe is the pinnacle of it all! It is all you will ever need.
Recipe Notes: Your Falafel Failsafe
Honestly, making Homemade Falafel can be a bit of a faff, but trust me, the Best Falafel Recipe is so worth it.
Here are some tips to make sure your Crispy Falafel dreams come true. Let's dive in!
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Think about presentation. For an authentic Arabic Food experience, stuff your Falafels in warm pitta bread. Add hummus, tahini, and some crunchy salad.
It's a classic for a reason! Or, go for a fancy falafel bowl with quinoa and roasted veggies. A drizzle of lemon tahini dressing makes it sing.
Don't forget the drinks: some refreshing mint lemonade.
Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? (If you do, you're stronger than me!). Cool the falafel. Then, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze them.
Spread them on a baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen.
Tweaks and Twists: Variations on the Theme
Want to mix things up? For a gluten-free version, use chickpea flour. Trust me, you won't miss the regular flour.
For a spicy kick, add extra cayenne. Honestly, it is fire. Looking for seasonal swap? Finely chopped scallions can be used in place of yellow onions.
Nutrition Nuggets: Health Benefits
So, you know that Chickpeas are packed with fibre and protein. They are great for your gut and will keep you full.
These Homemade Falafel are better than processed snacks. Seriously. It gives you sustained energy. Plus, all those fresh herbs are full of vitamins.
Ready to make some magic? Don't be intimidated, the Easy falafel recipe is so worth the effort. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to soak the chickpeas for Homemade Falafel? Can't I just use canned?
Alright, listen up! Soaking dried chickpeas is absolutely crucial for proper falafel. Canned chickpeas contain too much moisture and will result in a mushy, sad excuse for a falafel. Soaking allows the chickpeas to properly bind together, creating that perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior we all crave.
Think of it as the difference between a soggy bottom and a Bake Off worthy masterpiece!
My falafel mixture is too wet! How can I fix it?
Uh oh, sounds like you've got a bit of a soggy situation! Don't panic, we can sort this. First, try adding a tablespoon or two of chickpea flour (besan) to the mixture to absorb some of the excess moisture. If it's really wet, you could also add a bit of blitzed up dried breadcrumbs.
Make sure to refrigerate the mixture for at least another 30 minutes, as this helps it bind better and become less moist.
What's the best way to cook Homemade Falafel - frying or baking?
Traditionally, falafel is deep fried for that characteristic crispy exterior. However, you can bake them if you're trying to be a bit healthier. For frying, ensure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F/175°C) and don't overcrowd the pan.
If baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), lightly brush the falafel with oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won't be quite as crispy, but they'll still be tasty!
Can I freeze Homemade Falafel?
Absolutely! Falafel freezes really well. Shape the falafel into balls, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. You can then fry or bake them straight from frozen.
Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are Homemade Falafel healthy?
Well, everything in moderation, right? Falafel made with this recipe can be a relatively healthy dish. Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fibre, and the herbs add vitamins and antioxidants. However, the frying process does add fat. Baking them instead of frying is a healthier alternative.
Also, think about what you serve them with pitta bread, salad, and a yogurt based sauce is a much better choice than loading them up with chips and mayonnaise!
Help! My falafel keeps falling apart when frying. What am I doing wrong?
This is a common issue, but easily fixed. It likely means the mixture is too wet or hasn't been chilled for long enough. Be sure you've drained the soaked chickpeas really well. Also, chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) helps the ingredients bind together.
If all else fails, add a little more chickpea flour as a binder.
Crispy Delicious Homemade Falafel
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 9g |