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falafel
Falafel, crispy and healthy. Discover how to prepare this classic Mediterranean recipe at home—perfect for a nutritious meal full of flavor!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Grease a baking tray with a little olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Process until you get a coarse mixture. Do not overprocess; the mixture should be firm but not completely smooth.
- With slightly wet hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a walnut.
- Place each ball on the prepared baking tray and brush the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through so they brown evenly on all sides.
- Serve your homemade falafel hot with tahini sauce, pita bread, and fresh salad greens.
Notes
Falafel is a Mediterranean classic cherished for its crunchy exterior and wholesome, spiced flavor inside. This recipe’s versatility means it shines as a main dish, a snack, or even tucked inside pita bread for a quick lunch. Because falafel is naturally vegan and protein-rich, it fits beautifully into a variety of lifestyles—from plant-based eaters to fans of street food favorites.
Handy Tips and Flavorful Twists
- Chickpea choice matters. While canned chickpeas work in a pinch, cooking dried chickpeas from scratch delivers superior texture and flavor. Just soak them overnight and simmer until tender.
- Don’t overblend the mixture: Pulse your ingredients to a coarse crumb instead of a smooth paste. This preserves integral texture and helps the falafel keep its shape during baking.
- For crispier falafel, briefly chill the mixture before shaping, and brush generously with olive oil before baking or air-frying for that crave-worthy crunch—no deep fryer needed!
- Substitute fresh herbs according to your taste: mint or dill add a refreshing twist. Out of cilantro? Swap in more parsley or a pinch of dried herbs.
Serving & Complimentary Dishes
Serve your falafel warm, nestled in pita bread with crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce or yogurt dressing. For a vibrant meal, pair it with sides like tabbouleh, pickled vegetables, or a simple cucumber-tomato salad. Homemade hummus or baba ganoush also make perfect companions, letting a Middle Eastern feast come together with minimal stress.Vegan, Gluten-Free, or Spiced-up Variations
- For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for chickpea flour or oat flour.
- Bump up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne or finely chopped chili.
- Leftover falafel keeps well refrigerated for up to four days—try crumbling them over salads or grain bowls!