Seriously Simple Homemade Falafel
- Recipe Introduction
- Diving into Falafel: What You'll Need
- Forget Takeaway: Let's Make Falafel at Home!
- Time to Get Cooking!
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Falafel Recipe
- Prep Steps for Falafel Nirvana
- Step-by-Step: From Chickpea Chaos to Falafel Bliss
- Pro Tips for Falafel Perfection
- Recipe Notes: Making Your Easy Falafel Recipe Epic!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get a craving for something crispy, flavorful, and totally satisfying? This Easy Falafel Recipe is your ticket to homemade deliciousness.
Honestly, it's packed with fresh herbs and spices, delivering that authentic taste you crave.
Brief Overview
Falafel has roots in the Middle East, and it's a staple across many cultures. This recipe is easy, taking about 1 hour and 5 minutes total.
It makes around 16 falafel, perfect for sharing.
Main Benefits
These homemade falafel without deep frying are a great source of plant based protein and fiber. They're fantastic for a casual lunch, a party appetizer, or even a light dinner.
What makes this recipe special? It's simple, flavourful, and way better than anything you'll find in the shops.
So you want to cook your own and get the best falafel recipe for beginners , don't you?
Diving into Falafel: What You'll Need
To make traditional Arabic falafel , you'll need a few key falafel ingredients . First, there are the chickpeas of course.
Then there are the fresh herbs, spices and a little bit of flour to bind it all together. Don't worry; the list is straightforward!
Forget Takeaway: Let's Make Falafel at Home!
This recipe skips the deep fryer and uses a pan-fry. I tried making it in the air fryer as well but honestly the traditional pan-fry still provides the best results.
It's way easier to manage and still gives you that crispy exterior. Making air fryer falafel is easy, but not as good as the original.
This Vegan falafel recipe brings amazing Vegetarian Falafel With Herbs to your kitchen.
Time to Get Cooking!
Grab your ingredients, and let's get started. This Authentic Middle Eastern falafel recipe is simpler than you might think. You'll be enjoying fresh, homemade falafel in no time.
These Easy chickpea fritters will bring out the foodie in you.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Falafel Recipe
Alright, so you wanna make some amazing falafel? Lets get into it then! The right ingredients and gear are key.
Let's break it down so even your nan can follow! This recipe is all about making easy chickpea fritters at home.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need. Precision is your friend, so get those measuring spoons ready!
- Dried Chickpeas: 1 cup (200g) . Important : These must be dried, not canned. Quality indicators? Look for a uniform size and colour.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup / 150g). Roughly chopped.
- Fresh Parsley: 1 cup (packed), roughly chopped.
- Fresh Cilantro (Coriander): 1/2 cup (packed), roughly chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , freshly squeezed.
- Olive Oil: 1 1/2 tablespoons (22.5ml) .
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Ground Coriander: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) , or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) , or to taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) .
Seasoning Notes: Level up your Falafel
Want authentic Middle Eastern falafel recipe flavours? Cumin and coriander are non-negotiable. Salt is super important.
For a flavor boost, a pinch of chilli flakes. No coriander (cilantro) in the house? More parsley works.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, folks.
- Food processor: Essential for that perfect falafel recipe texture.
- Large bowl: For mixing.
- Small bowl: For odds and ends.
- Measuring cups and spoons: No guessing!
- Large skillet or frying pan: For frying.
- Slotted spoon: Draining goodness.
- Paper towels: Absorbing excess oil.
No fancy equipment needed to make this vegetarian falafel with herbs ! If you don’t have a food processor, a good blender might work, but you'll need to add a bit of water.
Enjoy making this delicious homemade falafel without deep frying ! Air Frying is also an alternative.
Alright, let's chat about making the Easy Falafel Recipe ! Forget the dry, crumbly stuff you get from some takeaways.
We are talking perfectly moist and flavourful Homemade falafel without deep frying , crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Honestly, it's easier than you think.
Prep Steps for Falafel Nirvana
Mise en Place: Your Falafel Foundation
Firstly, get organised! This is essential mise en place. Make sure you've soaked your 1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas for 12- 24 hours .
You know, this makes all the difference. Chop up your 1 medium yellow onion , 1 cup of parsley , 1/2 cup of cilantro , and mince those 4 garlic cloves .
Squeeze your 2 tablespoons of lemon juice , measure out your spices 1 teaspoon cumin and coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper .
Have your 2-3 tablespoons of flour ready too.
Time Saving Tips for Quick Falafel
Honestly, pre-chopping the herbs and onion saves SO much time. And if you're feeling super organised, you can even soak the chickpeas the night before.
Honestly, this Vegetarian Falafel With Herbs is quicker if you're all set up.
step-by-step: From Chickpea Chaos to Falafel Bliss
Cracking the Falafel Code
- Pulse the Ingredients: Food processor time. Add all the prepped ingredients and pulse until finely ground. Avoid a paste. Aim for a bit of texture.
- Bind Like a Boss: Transfer the mixture. Stir in the flour until it binds.
- Chill Out: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial!
- Shape Up: Scoop about 2 tablespoons . Form into patties.
- Oil Up: Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. Check the oil. A test piece should sizzle.
- Fry Time: Fry for 3- 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don't overcrowd!
- Drain the Goodness: Use a slotted spoon. Drain on paper towels.
Pro Tips for Falafel Perfection
Expert Techniques
My secret weapon? A splash of cold water to the mixture if it seems too dry before chilling. I swear, Air Fryer Falafel gives the crispiest results.
Common Pitfalls
Over processing is a big no-no. It leads to mushy Easy chickpea fritters . Also, don't forget the chilling time. Trust me on this!
make-ahead Magic
You can make the falafel mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Honestly, This Authentic Middle Eastern falafel recipe is ideal to make-ahead.
Recipe Notes: Making Your Easy Falafel Recipe Epic!
Okay, so you're ready to dive into making this Easy Falafel Recipe ? Ace! Before you start, let's cover a few crucial points.
Trust me, these little nuggets of info will make your Vegetarian Falafel With Herbs sing. I've made my fair share of interesting falafel, so learn from my mistakes!
Serving Suggestions: From Plate to Palate
Presentation is key, innit? For that perfect Falafel Recipe serve your Easy Chickpea Fritters hot! Think of it like this.
Golden brown Homemade Falafel Without Deep Frying are just begging to be nestled in warm pita bread.
Load it up with hummus, tahini, a bit of shredded lettuce, and some juicy tomatoes. Bam! You have that tasty Traditional Arabic Falafel .
I love serving mine with a side of creamy cucumber yogurt dip. It's lush!
If you're feeling fancy, try plating the falafel on a bed of mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette. And don't forget a cheeky side of spiced potatoes.
Don't get caught serving them on their own! The flavors and textures complement each other beautifully.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Let those Easy Falafel Recipe cool completely. Then, pop them in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They'll keep for about 3-4 days, tops.
Want to freeze some? You can! Wrap the falafel individually in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag.
They'll be good for up to 2 months. When you're ready to reheat, just bake them at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving them if you don't want them turning into rubber bullets.
Variations: Spice It Up, Baby!
Honestly, the Best Falafel Recipe For Beginners is super versatile. If you're vegan, this Vegan Falafel Recipe is already good to go! Want it gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for chickpea flour.
Easy peasy.
Feeling spicy? Add a diced jalapeño to the food processor with the Falafel Ingredients . It'll give your Authentic Middle Eastern Falafel Recipe a nice kick.
You know, you could even try using different herbs. Mint or dill can add a refreshing twist.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
So, each serving of these Air Fryer Falafel has roughly 350 calories. It is packed with about 15 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber.
Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Chickpeas are brilliant, you know? They're a great source of plant based protein and fiber. This keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
And with all those fresh herbs, you're getting a good dose of vitamins and minerals, too. Winner winner Falafel Recipe dinner!
So, there you have it! A few extra tips to ensure falafel glory. Don't be afraid to experiment and make this Easy Falafel Recipe your own.
Happy cooking, my friend! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my falafel falling apart when I fry them?
Oh dear, soggy bottoms are the worst! This usually happens when the falafel mixture is too wet or hasn't been chilled long enough. Make sure you're using dried chickpeas that have been soaked (canned chickpeas are a no-no for falafel!).
Also, chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, really helps them hold their shape.
Can I bake these instead of frying them? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you see.
Absolutely! Baking is a perfectly reasonable alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
They won't be quite as crispy as fried falafel, but still delicious and much healthier, good on you!
How long does this Easy Falafel Recipe last in the fridge, and can I freeze any leftovers?
Cooked falafel will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To freeze, let the cooked falafel cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
You can reheat them in the oven, a skillet, or even the microwave. They will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
What's the best way to serve falafel? I'm a bit stuck for ideas!
Where do I start?, falafel is incredibly versatile! The classic way is in a warm pita pocket with hummus, tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. They're also fantastic in salads or as part of a Middle Eastern mezze platter with baba ghanoush, olives, and warm pita bread.
Don't be afraid to get creative with sauces and toppings, too.
I’m allergic to gluten, can this Easy Falafel Recipe be adapted?
Yes, absolutely! The easiest swap is to replace the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour (also known as besan flour). It binds the mixture just as well and adds a lovely nutty flavour. Just be sure to check all your other ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free as well to ensure no cross contamination!
Seriously Simple Homemade Falafel
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 8g |
