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.
One Comment
I love how falafel always feels like food made with care. Even the simplest homemade version still has that comforting, rustic feeling that makes you want to eat it slowly and enjoy every bite.