Description
Falafel are crispy, golden chickpea patties made with fresh herbs and aromatic spices. This Middle Eastern favorite is naturally vegan, protein-packed, and versatile—perfect in pitas, grain bowls, or on their own with tahini sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (not canned)
- ½ medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, packed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, packed
- 1 small green chile (serrano or jalapeño), seeds removed
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons chickpea flour (or all-purpose/gluten-free flour)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Vegetable oil, for frying or pan-frying (avocado or sunflower oil preferred)
Instructions
- Soak chickpeas overnight (8–12 hours) in plenty of water. Drain and rinse.
- Add soaked chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, chile, garlic, cumin, salt, cardamom, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse until coarse, not paste-like.
- Transfer mixture to a bowl. Stir in chickpea flour and baking soda. Chill 30–60 minutes.
- Shape mixture into golf ball-sized rounds or small patties. Adjust with water or extra flour if needed.
- Deep fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry falafel in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Pan fry: Cook in a skillet with a few tablespoons of oil for 2–3 minutes per side.
Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place falafel on greased baking sheet, brush tops with oil, and bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. - Serve hot with tahini sauce, hummus, or yogurt sauce in pita, bowls, or salads.
Notes
- Never use canned chickpeas—they’re too soft and falafel will fall apart.
- Make gluten-free with chickpea flour as the binder.
- Add cayenne, paprika, or lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Stuff with feta or pickled veggies for a surprise filling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying / Baking / Air Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 falafel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
