Golden Garlicky Falafel the Authentic Middle Eastern Treat

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a trip to the Middle East without leaving your kitchen? Our falafel balls recipe is the ticket! Trust me, the flavor is insane .

It's the perfect blend of savory, herby goodness with a crispy exterior that you just can't beat.

Brief Overview

Falafel , these glorious chickpea fritters, have been a Middle Eastern staple for centuries. Think of them as the original vegan falafel snack! This falafel recipe easy is moderately challenging, but oh-so-rewarding.

Budget around 25 minutes of active prep time, and 15- 20 minutes to cook, but do allow 12- 24 hours to soak.

This recipe yields about 24-30 delicious chickpea balls vegan enough for 6 happy bellies!

Main Benefits

Want a vegan healthy and tasty meal? Look no further! These homemade falafel are packed with protein and fiber, making them a fantastic and healthy eating vegetarian option.

This authentic falafel recipe is especially perfect for a casual weekend lunch with friends or as part of a vibrant falafel meal .

What makes this recipe special? The perfect balance of spices and herbs creates a flavor explosion that will blow your mind.

Ready to get your crispy falafel on? First, the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Falafel Starter Pack

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to make these amazing falafel balls. Honestly, it's not as complicated as it seems. Think of it as a flavor adventure!

Main Ingredients: The Falafel Foundations

First up, the stars of the show:

• 1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas. Don't even think about using canned ones. Seriously, soak these overnight! Like 12- 24 hours is best. They need to double in size.
• 1 medium onion, roughly chopped. Any onion will do, really.
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Go wild with the garlic. It's good for you!
• 1 cup (25g) fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh is key here, mate.
• ½ cup (12g) fresh cilantro, chopped. Some people hate cilantro. I love it! If you don't, just use more parsley.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. This adds a nice richness.
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin. Cumin is a must .
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground coriander. Adds warmth and depth.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) cayenne pepper. Or more, if you're feeling brave!
• 1 teaspoon (5g) baking powder. This helps lighten them up.
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt. Season to taste, naturally.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper. Freshly ground is always better.
• Vegetable oil, for frying. Any neutral oil works.

Good quality chickpeas are crucial for crispy falafel . You want them to be fairly uniform in size and color. The best falafel meal is made with quality ingredients.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

This is where you can really put your own spin on this vegan falafel recipe. A classic spice combo for authentic falafel recipe is cumin and coriander.

They just work so well together! A little bit of cayenne pepper will make the chickpea balls vegan with a little bit of a kick.

If you're missing an ingredient, don't panic. If you don't have cayenne pepper, you can easily substitute with smoked paprika.

It will add a smoky depth and a similar hint of spice. It's a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor or want to add a unique twist to their homemade falafel .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets to make delicious falafel. Here’s the bare minimum:

• Food processor. This is essential for getting the right texture.
• Deep fryer or large pot. For frying them up nice and crispy.
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer. To scoop them out.
• Paper towels. To drain the excess oil.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.

Don't have a deep fryer? No worries! A large, heavy bottomed pot will do the trick. Just make sure the oil is at the right temperature - 350° F ( 175° C) .

Let's get this healthy eating vegetarian show on the road! Making crispy falafel is easier than you think.

Let's Fry Some Falafel, Mate!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good falafel meal ? These little golden nuggets are totally addictive. Forget shop bought rubbish, though.

We're making proper homemade falafel today. It's easier than you think, promise! The secret is all in the prep, and I'll share a trick I learned in Greece, on my holidays!.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, the essential mise en place . That's chef talk for "get everything ready". Measure out your spices. Chop your herbs.

You know? Being organized saves a heap of time. Soak your chickpeas for at least 12 hours . Don't even think about using canned ones.

They'll turn to mush.

From Chickpeas to Chickpea Balls Vegan: The Frying Game

Right, let's get frying!

1. Chuck your soaked chickpeas vegan in the food processor with the rest of the ingredients.

2. Blitz it until coarsely ground.

3. Chill the mixture for 30 minutes . Trust me, this is a game changer for crispy falafel .

4. Heat your oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Careful, hot oil!

5. Roll the mixture into little falafel balls .

6. Gently drop them into the oil. Don't overcrowd the pan, yeah?

7. Fry for 3- 5 minutes , until golden brown.

8. Drain on paper towels.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Falafel

Want to make authentic falafel recipe ? A little bit of spice is essential, so don't be shy with the cayenne pepper .

Common mistake: Over processing the mixture! You want a bit of texture, not hummus. You are looking for a vegan healthy and balanced option.

I'm telling you, healthy eating vegetarian never tasted so amazing. If you want a lighter falafel recipe easy option: you can bake them in the oven.

Enjoy your perfect falafel balls . I love mine in a pita with hummus and all the trimmings. You know, Middle Eastern cuisine is just the best.

Recipe Notes: Your Falafel Balls Survival Guide

Alright, so you’re about to embark on a Homemade Falafel adventure! Before you dive headfirst into making these delicious chickpea balls vegan , let's go over some important bits and bobs.

I want your falafel meal to be epic . Trust me, there are a few things I've learned along the way that'll make your life so much easier.

Honestly, I can't wait to share it with you.

Level Up Your Plating: Serving Suggestions

Let's talk presentation. For a classic vibe, stuff those crispy falafel into warm pita bread. Don't forget the hummus and tahini! Chop up some tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce for that authentic Middle Eastern feel.

Wanna get fancy? Arrange the falafel balls on a platter with colorful veggies. A sprinkle of sumac adds that extra zing.

And, because everything's better with a drink, pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a lemon mint cooler.

Storage Secrets: Keeping Those Falafel Fresh

So, you've made a batch, and now you have leftovers? No worries. Refrigeration Guidelines: Simply pop them in an airtight container.

They'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days . Need to keep them longer? Freezing Options: Freeze the uncooked falafel mixture in individual portions.

When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them in the fridge overnight and fry as directed. Reheating Instructions: To bring them back to life, simply pop the falafel in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes , or until they're heated through.

Remix Your Recipe: Variations

Feeling adventurous? Let's tweak things a bit. For a vegan healthy twist, make sure your toppings are dairy-free. Think tahini sauce and pickled veggies! Got some leftover sweet potato? Mash it into the falafel mixture for a touch of sweetness and a vibrant orange hue.

You could also swap out parsley for dill or mint. Each herb adds a unique flavor profile.

Nutrition Basics : Goodness in Every Bite

These vegan falafel are packed with plant based protein and fiber. Did you know that chickpeas are a fantastic source of iron? So, you're not just enjoying a tasty meal, you're also getting some great nutrients.

For a simplified nutrition overview, a serving of 4-5 falafel balls provides a good chunk of your daily fiber intake.

Plus, they are lower in fat compared to some other fried goodies. Talk about healthy eating vegetarian !.

There you have it your guide to falafel recipe easy success! Don’t be afraid to get creative. And remember, even if they don’t turn out perfect on your first try, they'll still taste amazing.

Happy cooking!