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!
- 17 May 2025
- Cook time 10 min
- Prep time 40 min
- 4 Servings
- 9 Ingredients
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.
Ingredients:
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 Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 110 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 130kcal | 6% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 6g | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 22g | 7% |
| Fiber 4.37g | 12% |
| Sugar 4.26g | 4% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 4.89g | 6% |
| Saturated 0.64g | 2% |
| Cholesterol 0.00mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 70ug | 8% |
| Choline 22mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B1 0.13mg | 11% |
| Vitamin B2 0.10mg | 8% |
| Vitamin B3 0.79mg | 5% |
| Vitamin B6 0.15mg | 9% |
| Vitamin B9 90ug | 23% |
| Vitamin B12 0.01ug | 0% |
| Vitamin C 30mg | 34% |
| Vitamin E 0.30mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K 260ug | 220% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 72mg | 6% |
| Copper, Cu 0.21mg | 24% |
| Iron, Fe 3.51mg | 32% |
| Magnesium, Mg 45mg | 11% |
| Phosphorus, P 110mg | 9% |
| Potassium, K 370mg | 11% |
| Selenium, Se 5ug | 10% |
| Sodium, Na 30mg | 2% |
| Zinc, Zn 1.00mg | 9% |
| Water | |
| Water 80g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
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