Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (180g) dried chickpeas, soaked in cold water for 24 hours, drained
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped (about 75g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (packed) fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup (packed) fresh cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (20g), plus more for coating
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups / 475ml)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame are great!)
  • Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, hummus, hot sauce, etc.)

Instructions:

  1. Pulse the drained chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro in a food processor until coarsely ground.
  2. Transfer the chickpea mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the flour, cumin, coriander, baking powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help the patties hold their shape.
  4. Form the chickpea mixture into four equal-sized patties, about 3/4-inch thick. Lightly coat each patty with flour.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add more water, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the falafel patties to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove the falafel patties from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Toast the burger buns. Spread tahini sauce on the top and bottom buns. Add lettuce, tomato, red onion, and other toppings of your choice. Place a falafel patty on the bottom bun and top with the remaining bun. Serve immediately.