Knockyoursocksoff Easy Homemade Falafel
Recipe Introduction
Ever had that craving for something crispy, flavorful, and totally satisfying? I know I have! That's where how to easily make falafel comes in.
It's the answer to all your veggie dishes prayers!
Quick Hook
Honestly, have you ever wondered how to easily make falafel at home? These little balls of goodness are packed with flavour and are easier than you think.
Think crispy outside, fluffy inside, with a hint of cumin and coriander.
Brief Overview
Falafel hails from the Middle East, and is a street food staple. It’s surprisingly easy and quick once you've soaked the chickpeas.
This homemade falafel recipe easy yields about 16-20 balls, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Main Benefits
Besides tasting amazing, falafel is packed with plant based protein and fibre. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a party appetizer, or a light dinner.
What makes this authentic falafel recipe truly special is the fresh herbs and the perfect balance of spices.
Ready to dive in? It all starts with the falafel ingredients ! You'll need dried chickpeas and remember, dried is key here.
None of that canned stuff, alright?. We're going for proper crispy falafel recipe texture! I learned that one the hard way the first time I tried making it.
Honestly, it was a total disaster! Then, just other bits and bobs like onion, herbs, and spices.
Ingredients & Equipment to How to Easily Make Falafel
Right then, let's talk Falafel Ingredients . This Authentic Falafel Recipe is simple. You likely have most of what you need.
Main Players Falafel Ingredients
Here's what you need, mate:
- 2 cups (380g) dried chickpeas. Don't use canned! Seriously. Soak for 12- 24 hours .
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g).
- 1 cup packed fresh parsley, chopped.
- 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro, chopped. Some people hate cilantro. More parsley is fine.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour.
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin.
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander.
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Optional, add the right kick on this Crispy Falafel Recipe .
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
- Vegetable oil, for frying. Enough to fill your pot 2-3 inches .
The chickpeas must be dried. It is the secret to a proper Crispy Falafel Recipe . Soaked is crucial. Honestly. I once tried it without soaking, disaster!
Seasoning Notes for the Best Falafel Recipe
Cumin and coriander are essential. It gives that Middle Eastern Falafel flavour. Salt and pepper? Obvious, but vital. Don't skimp.
Cayenne is optional. I like a bit of a kick, you know? Chilli flakes work too. If you like it spicier, add more! For a Homemade Falafel Recipe Easy and flavorful, fresh herbs are a must!.
Kit You'll Need
Alright, gear time:
- Food processor
- Deep pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Thermometer
- Cookie scoop or spoon
The food processor is a must. Makes life so easy. A deep pot for frying is important. Safety first! If you don't have a thermometer, chuck a bit of bread in the oil to check temperature.
If it sizzles, you are golden! That is How to Fry Falafel .
A good Veggie Dishes are easy to make, but require the appropriate tools for perfect results.
Alright then, let's get cracking! Falafel , eh? Bit of sunshine in a ball of fried goodness, that is. No need to be intimidated we'll whip up a batch so easy, even your Nan could manage it.
This recipe is super easy, even your Nan could manage it (and she only boils eggs!). Let's make crispy falafel recipe .
Prep Steps for the Best Falafel Recipe
First things first, mise en place , right? Essential, that is. Get those dried chickpeas soaking. 2 cups (380g) of dried chickpeas need 12- 24 hours in cold water.
Don’t even think about using canned ones. Trust me on this! Chop up 1 medium onion, get 1 cup parsley and 1/2 cup cilantro (coriander) ready.
Mince those 4 cloves of garlic.
Honestly, the best time saving tip? Do all your chopping while the chickpeas are soaking. Then you can just throw it all in the food processor later. Simples!
And a quick safety reminder, yeah? Hot oil is HOT. Don't be a hero. Be careful and make sure the kids are out of the kitchen.
How to Easily Make Falafel: step-by-step
Alright, let's get cooking! Here’s how to make the authentic falafel recipe :
Soak those chickpeas for 12- 24 hours . Drain and rinse!
Blitz the soaked chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, and garlic in a food processor. Don’t overdo it, or you'll get a paste!
Add 2 tablespoons flour, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
Give it a good mix. Now you have the falafel ingredients ready!
Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial to keep them firm
Heat vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) in a deep pot.
Form the falafel mixture into small balls. I use a spoon, but a cookie scoop works too!
Fry for 3- 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Homemade Falafel Recipe Easy
Want to take your Middle Eastern falafel game to the next level? First, don't over process the mixture. A little bit of texture is what you want.
Second, keep that oil hot. Otherwise, you will end up with soggy, oily falafel. No one wants that!
Finally, if you’re feeling lazy, you can make the mixture a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge. This makes the tastiest veggie dishes and they can be healthy too!
Serving suggestion: Serve in pita bread with hummus, tahini sauce, chopped vegetables (cucumber, tomato, lettuce), and pickles.
Now get in that kitchen and start cooking, you know you want to!
Recipe Notes for Your Knock Your-Socks Off Easy Homemade Falafel
Honestly, getting this Falafel Recipe spot-on is all about a few simple things. Pay attention, and you'll be munching on some seriously good Crispy Falafel Recipe in no time.
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Right, let's talk presentation. How to Easily Make Falafel look amazing? Pile those Homemade Falafel Recipe Easy balls high in a pita with all the trimmings.
Think hummus, tahini, crunchy salad, and maybe a cheeky bit of chilli sauce if you're feeling brave. Fancy something lighter? Scatter them over a vibrant salad with a lemon tahini dressing.
A refreshing glass of mint lemonade pairs perfectly.
Storage Savvy: Keeping Your Falafel Fresh
Made too much? No worries. Authentic Falafel Recipe leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
Just pop them in an airtight container. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do, but honestly, the best way is a few minutes in a hot oven or air fryer to get them crispy again.
I haven't tried freezing them myself, but some folks say it works a treat! Give it a go if you're feeling adventurous.
Remixing the Classics: Variations to Try
Fancy a change? Why not try adding a pinch of chilli flakes for some Middle Eastern Falafel with a kick? Or, for a gluten-free version, swap the plain flour for chickpea flour, easy peasy! If parsley isn't your thing, use half cup of fresh mint, it give nice taste.
These small adjustments makes this Best Falafel Recipe adapt to you.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
These Veggie Dishes aren't just tasty; they're pretty good for you too. You know, roughly you're looking at about 350 calories per serving, with a decent whack of protein and fibre to keep you going.
Plus, all those lovely herbs and spices bring a whole host of vitamins and minerals.
So, there you have it! All the insider tips and tricks to create the perfect Falafel with Dried Chickpeas . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now go on, get cooking, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to soak the chickpeas? Can't I just use canned ones?
Right, listen up! Soaking the chickpeas is absolutely crucial for authentic falafel. Canned chickpeas have too much moisture, leading to a mushy, paste like texture, a bit like soggy Weetabix.
Soaking allows the dried chickpeas to properly hydrate and bind together, resulting in that perfectly crumbly, yet firm, falafel texture we all crave. Think of it like a good cuppa - you can't rush perfection!
How to Easily Make Falafel and keep them from falling apart when frying? Mine always crumble!
Ah, the dreaded falafel crumble! The main culprits are too much moisture or not enough binding. Make sure you've drained and rinsed the soaked chickpeas really well. Chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying helps the falafel hold their shape.
Don't overcrowd the pan, so the oil temperature doesn't drop, and gently place (don't throw!) the falafel into the hot oil.
What's the best oil temperature for frying falafel, and how do I know if it's hot enough without a thermometer?
Aim for an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C) for perfect golden brown falafel. If you haven't got a thermometer, no worries, mate! Pop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles immediately and turns golden brown in about a minute, you're good to go.
Too cool, and the falafel will be oily; too hot, and they'll burn on the outside before cooking through.
Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time, and how long will it keep?
Absolutely! The falafel mixture can be prepared a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit overnight actually enhances the flavour! Just give it a good stir before forming the falafel. Any longer than a day and the mixture can start to discolour and lose its flavour.
What can I serve with falafel?
Falafel are incredibly versatile, like a proper chameleon of the culinary world! Serve them in warm pita bread with a generous dollop of hummus, tahini sauce, and a colourful array of chopped veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.
They're also fantastic as part of a mezze platter alongside other Middle Eastern delights, such as baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves. Don't forget a side of tangy pickles and a drizzle of your favourite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Are falafel healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Falafel can be a nutritious addition to your diet, like a healthy takeaway alternative! They're a good source of protein and fibre, thanks to the chickpeas. However, they are fried, so consider the oil content. Baking them is a healthier alternative, though you won't get quite the same crispy exterior.
Portion control is key everything in moderation, as they say!
Knockyoursocksoff Easy Homemade Falafel
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 8g |
