Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish for your next meal? Look no further than this Easy Falafel Recipe! These crispy, flavorful chickpea patties are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this tasty recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great Flavors: The combination of fresh herbs and aromatic spices in these falafels will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
- Quick Prep Time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of falafels in no time.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These falafels are perfect for meal prep, making them a convenient and delicious option for busy weekdays.
Ingredient Notes:
- Dried chickpeas (measured before soaking): The key ingredient that gives falafels their signature texture.
- Flat-leaf parsley: Adds freshness and a vibrant green color to the falafels.
- Mint leaves or cilantro (optional): Adds a unique flavor to the falafels.
- Onion: Provides a savory depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a delicious kick to the falafels.
- Ground coriander and cumin: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor.
- Salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder: Seasonings that add a punch of flavor and help the falafels rise.
- Olive oil (for air frying) or frying oil (for deep-frying): Used for cooking the falafels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Soak the chickpeas in water overnight.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then add them to a food processor with parsley, mint/cilantro, onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder.
- Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Air fry or deep fry the falafels until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a healthier option, you can bake the falafels in the oven instead of frying.
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying the falafels to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Serve the falafels with a side of hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh veggies for a complete meal.
- You can store any leftover falafels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use dried chickpeas instead of canned for the best texture.
- Add a pinch of baking soda to the soaking water to help soften the chickpeas.
- Let the falafel mixture rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before shaping and cooking for better flavor development.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these falafels in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a classic falafel sandwich. Pair them with a refreshing glass of mint lemonade for the perfect meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover falafels, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
While you can use canned chickpeas, dried chickpeas are recommended for the best texture. - Can I freeze the falafels?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked falafel mixture or cooked falafels for up to 3 months. - Can I omit the herbs?
While the herbs add flavor, you can omit them if desired, but the falafels may be less aromatic.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make the perfect Easy Falafel Recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re a falafel fan or trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!
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Easy Falafel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy falafel recipe is packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these falafels are a delicious vegetarian option for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas measured before soaking
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley
- ½ cup mint leaves or cilantro – optional
- 1 onion yellow or white
- 6 cloves garlic chopped
Spices:
- 2 teaspoons coriander ground
- 1½ teaspoons cumin ground
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for air frying, or 4 to 6 cups frying oil for deep-frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Soak the chickpeas overnight, then drain and rinse them.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, blend chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, and spices until a coarse mixture forms.
- Form Falafel Balls: Shape the mixture into small balls and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Cook the Falafels: Either air fry or deep fry the falafels until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy the falafels hot with your favorite dipping sauce or in a pita with veggies.
Notes
- If the mixture is too wet, add a little flour or breadcrumbs to help bind it.
- For a healthier option, consider baking the falafels instead of frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 falafel ball
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg