Description
Authentic falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish made from soaked chickpeas blended with fresh herbs, garlic, and warm spices, then fried until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, not cooked)
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ medium onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Soak the Chickpeas: Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak for 12–24 hours. Drain well before using.
- Blend the Mixture: Add chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse until coarse and crumbly, not smooth.
- Rest the Mixture: Transfer to a bowl and stir in baking powder and flour. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Shape the Falafel: Scoop and shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Fry Until Crispy: Heat oil to medium heat. Fry falafel in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain & Serve: Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Notes
- Serve in pita with veggies and tahini
- Add to salads or grain bowls
- Serve with hummus or garlic sauce
- Store uncooked mixture up to 2 days refrigerated
- Cooked falafel keep 3–4 days refrigerated
- Freeze uncooked falafel for later use
- Prep Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 falafel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Authentic Falafel, Middle Eastern, Vegan, Recipe