Falafel Recipe – Lebanese Special
Falafel is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, blended with fresh herbs and spices, then formed into balls and fried until golden and crispy. Perfect as a filling in pita bread, served with tahini sauce, or enjoyed on its own, this plant-based treat is not only flavorful but also packed with protein, making it a satisfying choice for any meal!
- Prep Time30 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time50 min
Falafel Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Dried Chickpeas (or 2 Cups Canned Chickpeas, Drained)
- 1 Small Onion, Chopped
- 2-3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro, Chopped
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
- Oil For Frying
How to make Falafel :
Soak Chickpeas (if using dried): Place the dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight, then drain.
Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas (or canned chickpeas), onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but well combined, avoiding over-processing to maintain some texture.
Chill Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Form Balls: Once chilled, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.
Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium heat, about 1-2 inches deep.
Fry Falafel: Carefully place the falafel balls into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Serve: Remove the falafel from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, or in a salad.
Recipe Notes:
Chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, ensure they are well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro add flavor; you can adjust the quantities based on your taste preference.
Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, for extra flavor and heat.
Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the falafel instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the formed falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with olive oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions: Falafel is delicious in a pita with fresh vegetables and sauces like tahini, tzatziki, or spicy harissa. You can also serve it on a salad for a nutritious meal.
Storage: Uncooked falafel mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cooked falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to a month.
