Easy And Authentic Falafel Recipe

Traditional Falafel is exactly what you’d have at your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant! They have a crunchy exterior with a soft interior.

Explore similar recipes, like Pickled Turnips and Classic Hummus, in the Vegetarian category for more meat-free dining options.

Sabrina’s Easy and Authentic Falafel Recipe

Falafel, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, is a delightful vegetarian dish that has gained worldwide popularity. This recipe brings the authentic taste of falafel right into your kitchen, offering a wholesome and delicious option suitable for various meals, from quick lunches to dinner parties. Originating from the Middle East, falafel is commonly served in pita bread, forming part of a hearty and flavorful meal. The dish, known for its deep-fried chickpea balls, is often accompanied by fresh vegetables and drizzled with sauces like tahini or hummus.

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Authentic Falafel Recipe

Traditional Falafel is exactly what you'd have at your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant! They have a crunchy exterior with a soft interior.

Yield 8 Servings

Prep Time 12 hours hours

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 12 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Course Dinner

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Author Sabrina Snyder

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Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

• ▢ 2 cups dry chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• ▢ 3/4 cup yellow onion , chopped (just under one onion)
• ▢ 1/4 cup fresh parsley , chopped
• ▢ 2 tablespoons garlic , minced
• ▢ 2 tablespoons flour
• ▢ 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ▢ 1 tablespoon cumin
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cardamom
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ▢ vegetable oil , (for frying)

To Finish:

• ▢ 4 pita bread rounds , cut in half
• ▢ 1 cup hummus
• ▢ 1 cup lettuce , thinly sliced
• ▢ 1 tomato , chopped
• ▢ 1/2 cup pickled turnips

Instructions

• Add the garbanzo beans into a large bowl and soak in water overnight (the water should be a couple inches higher than the beans, so the beans plump up).
• Rinse the beans and add them to a food processor with chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, flour, salt, cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cardamom.
• Process the ingredients together until it looks like a coarse paste, like a super chunky peanut butter.
• Be sparing with how long you process it, the chickpeas should still be visible in small chunks.
• Put the mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
• Make the paste into small balls, rolling them in your hand.
• If your falafel batter is too loose to stay in a ball you can add a few more tablespoons of flour.
• Make the falafel balls with 2 tablespoons of the mixture.
• In a large cast iron (or other good frying skillet) add a couple of inches of oil.
• Heat the oil on medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.

To Finish:

• Cut the pita breads in half and open the pockets.
• Spread with hummus, top with lettuce add in falafel broken in half.
• Top with tomatoes and pickled turnips and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 861mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 389IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 3mg

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About This Recipe

A classic Falafel recipe is not a quick recipe to make, but it couldn’t be much simpler. The length of time is 99% the soaking of the beans. Working with dried garbanzo beans is the magic ingredient to a great falafel recipe. No canned chickpeas, so no mushy texture! While there are regional variations to this traditional dish – some use more herbs, others add different spices – the essence of falafel remains consistent: a crispy exterior giving way to a soft, flavorful center. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a meal with family, this falafel recipe brings a piece of Middle Eastern culinary tradition right to your table.

Chef’s Note

Falafel, often a go-to choice for Middle Eastern takeout or restaurant dining, is surprisingly straightforward and rewarding to make at home. Preparing falafel in your own kitchen allows you to dive into the art of Middle Eastern cooking, offering a personalized touch to the flavors and ingredients. You gain the freedom to adjust spices to your taste, ensuring a fresh and healthier version compared to its deep-fried restaurant counterpart. Moreover, homemade falafel guarantees a fun and engaging culinary experience, perfect for involving family members in the cooking process or impressing guests.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry chickpeas (garbanzo beans): Chickpeas are the base of any traditional falafel, providing a nutty flavor and hearty texture. Canned chickpeas are less ideal, as they can make the falafel too soft.
• ¾ cup yellow onion, chopped: Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. White or purple onion can be a suitable substitute if yellow is unavailable.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley brings a fresh, herby brightness to the mix. If needed, fresh cilantro can be used for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced: Garlic adds a punch of flavor. 
• 2 tablespoons flour: Flour helps bind the ingredients.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors. Sea salt or table salt can substitute if needed. However, if you use table salt you should decrease the amount.
• 1 tablespoon cumin: This spice gives falafel its distinct warm, earthy tone. 
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander: Coriander adds a citrusy, nutty flavor. 
• 1 teaspoon cardamom: Cardamom adds a sweet, aromatic touch. It can be omitted if not available, but it adds a unique flavor to the falafel.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Pepper adds a slight heat. Adjust to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: This provides a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your falafel.
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying): A neutral oil like canola or sunflower works best for frying and doesn’t impart additional flavor.

Kitchen Tools & Equipment

• Meatballer: Yes, you can use your one-tablespoon measure twice, but a 2-tablespoon scoop is great for so many things, including cookies! It just makes everything go so much faster.
• Food Processor: Use a high-power food processor to blend the chickpea mixture.
• Cast Iron Skillet: I use Log Cast Iron Pan, there’s a reason this pan is a fan favorite. It’s a heavy pan that will last for many years to come.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely, falafel is one of those convenient dishes that can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for meal prepping or for those occasions when you need a quick meal. The falafel mixture itself can be made a day or two in advance. Simply prepare the chickpea mixture as per the recipe, shape the falafel balls or patties, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. When you’re ready to cook, just fry them up for a quick and delicious meal. It’s best to fry just before serving to maintain its delightful crispy exterior.

How to Store

• Store: Properly storing leftover falafel is key to maintaining its taste and texture. Once cooled, place the falafel in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: When it’s time to reheat, the best approach is to use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat to 350°F and warm the falafel for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain the exterior crispness while ensuring the inside remains moist. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. 
• Freeze: Freezing is a great way to preserve its flavor for an extended period. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked falafel. For cooked, let them cool completely and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For uncooked, place the balls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, you can cook or reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Freezing offers a convenient option for meal planning and ensures that you always have a tasty, healthy meal option on hand.

Ideas to Serve

If you want to make this Classic Falafel into the best sandwich or wrap, try my Zankou Chicken Garlic Paste recipe to go with it.

Alternative Cooking Techniques

Oven Baked

Baking falafel is a fantastic way to achieve a healthier version of this classic dish. Preheat your oven to 350º, lightly grease your falafel balls, and bake them for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Be sure to flip them at the 15-minute mark. This method significantly reduces the oil content while still delivering a deliciously crunchy exterior.

Air Fried

For those who love the crunch but want to keep things light, air frying is an excellent option. It uses minimal oil and delivers a crispy texture similar to traditional frying. Place the falafel in the air fryer basket, spray falafel with oil, and cook at 400º for 6-7 minutes, and then flip them and do it again for about 6-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations

• Bean Variations: Swap chickpeas with fava beans or a mix of both for a different texture and flavor profile. This variation is popular in certain regions and offers a slightly different taste.
• Herb Mix-Up: Add or substitute parsley with other fresh herbs fresh coriander or mint for a refreshing twist. Each herb brings its unique flavor, making each bite a new experience.
• Spice It Up: Introduce spices like a teaspoon of turmeric or sumac for an added depth of flavor and a hint of color. Spices not only enhance the taste but also contribute to the health benefits.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to make your falafel gluten-free.
• Stuffed Falafel: Add a cube of feta cheese inside each falafel ball before cooking for a gooey, cheesy center.
• Sweet Potato Falafel: Incorporate mashed sweet potato into the falafel mix for a sweeter version that’s packed with vitamins.

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