Falafel
Discover a delicious homemade falafel recipe made with chickpeas, fresh parsley, and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal, this easy-to-follow guide includes simple ingredients like onion, garlic, and olive oil. Enjoy crispy falafel bites that are packed with protein and taste without the deep frying!
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 40 min
Ingredients:
1 onion2 garlic cloves
1 tsp dried coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1/3 can canned chickpeas
1 cup fresh parsley
1/3 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1 egg white
1 tbsp olive oil
Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, fresh herbs, and flavorful spices. These crispy and delicious balls or patties are often enjoyed in pita bread with a variety of toppings or served on their own as an appetizer or snack. This recipe offers a tasty and straightforward way to prepare homemade falafel with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
Instructions:
- Chop the onion and fresh parsley.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas.
- In a food processor, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, chickpeas, chopped parsley, dried coriander, and ground cumin.
- Pulse until the mixture is finely ground but not pureed. The texture should remain slightly coarse.
- Transfer the chickpea mixture to a mixing bowl.
- Add the all-purpose flour and egg white to the bowl.
- Mix well with a spoon or your hands until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but hold together well. If it's too dry, add a little water; if too wet, add more flour.
- With clean hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a ping-pong ball.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the falafel balls to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the falafel for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- If necessary, cook the falafel in batches, adding more oil between batches if needed.
- Once cooked, transfer the falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm, ideally with pita bread, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables or as part of a larger meal.
Tips:
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove any excess salt and achieve the desired texture.
- For a lighter and fluffier texture, you can refrigerate the falafel mixture for about an hour before shaping and cooking.
- If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, you can add a bit more flour until you reach the desired consistency for easy shaping.
- When frying the falafel, ensure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready.
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the falafel in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, homemade falafel is a versatile and nutritious addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether enjoyed in a wrap, salad, or on their own, these falafel balls are sure to become a family favorite. By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a delicious meal that brings a taste of the Middle East to your table.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 130kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 22g
Fiber 4.37g
Sugar 4.26g
Fat 4.89g
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