falafel
Falafel, the famous crunchy Middle Eastern snack, gets a lighter touch. Discover how to make falafel at home with simple steps!
Ingredients
Method
- Soak the chickpeas in plenty of water overnight. Drain well before starting.
- In a food processor, add the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until you get a coarse, crumbly mixture. Do not over-process; the mixture should not be a paste.
- Add cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Pulse a few more times to combine everything.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- With wet hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a walnut.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Place the falafel on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle or brush with olive oil for extra crispness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp. Serve immediately with tahini sauce, salad, or pita as desired.
Notes
Falafel is a treasured classic of Middle Eastern cuisine, celebrated for its crispy exterior and rich, herbaceous flavor. Its versatility makes it perfect as a snack, the main protein for vegetarians, or the star of a mezze platter.
Tricks to perfect falafel: Puree the chickpeas only until slightly coarse; do not over-process, or your mixture will be too wet and soft to shape. If you find your mixture a bit loose, add extra chickpea or wheat flour, a spoonful at a time, to bind it just right. Avoid using canned chickpeas—dried and soaked overnight will give superior texture and flavor.
Enhancing flavor and texture: Toss in extra herbs like dill or mint for a fragrant twist. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a slight kick. For even crispier falafel, chill the formed patties well before baking and generously drizzle (or spray) with olive oil.
Serving ideas and variations
- Serve falafel hot with fresh pita, pickled vegetables, and a creamy tahini or yogurt sauce for an authentic experience.
- Create falafel wraps with crunchy lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and lemony dressing.
- Form mini falafel balls to crown salads or snack boards at gatherings.
