Name: Homemade Falafel
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups dried chickpeas (measured before soaking); 1 cup flat-leaf parsley; ½ cup mint leaves (or cilantro – optional); 1 onion (yellow or white); 6 cloves garlic (chopped); 2 teaspoons coriander (ground); 1½ teaspoons cumin (ground); 1½ teaspoons salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying, or 4 to 6 cups frying oil for deep-frying)

Why Make This Recipe

Falafel is a delicious and healthy option for anyone who loves flavor-packed food. These crispy chickpea patties are not only tasty but also rich in protein and fiber. Whether you’re seeking a vegetarian meal, a snack, or a party appetizer, falafel fits the bill perfectly. Plus, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavors, ensuring that every bite is just how you like it.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Falafel

Ingredients:

2 cups dried chickpeas (measured before soaking)
1 cup flat-leaf parsley
½ cup mint leaves (or cilantro – optional)
1 onion (yellow or white)
6 cloves garlic (chopped)
2 teaspoons coriander (ground)
1½ teaspoons cumin (ground)
1½ teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying, or 4 to 6 cups frying oil for deep-frying)

Directions:

Soak Chickpeas: Place 2 cups of dried chickpeas in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. Drain and rinse before using.
Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, blend 1 cup of flat-leaf parsley, ½ cup of mint leaves, 1 onion, 6 cloves of garlic, 2 teaspoons of coriander, 1½ teaspoons of cumin, 1½ teaspoons of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add the chickpeas and 2 teaspoons of baking powder; blend until the mixture is finely coarse, not smooth.
Shape the Falafel: Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes, then scoop and shape it into small patties. If the mixture is too crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour. Place patties on a parchment-lined tray.
Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket and falafel with oil. Air fry in a single layer for 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden and crisp.
Oven-Baked: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Place the falafel on a parchment-lined tray, brush with olive oil, and bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until golden brown.
Deep-Fry: Heat oil to 340°F (170°C) in a deep pot (fill halfway). Fry 3–4 falafel at a time for 3–4 minutes, turning for even browning. Drain on paper towels.

How to Serve Falafel

Falafel is versatile and can be served in many ways. You can place it in pita bread with fresh veggies, like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and drizzle with tahini sauce or yogurt sauce. They also make a great addition to salads, wraps, or enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack.

How to Store Falafel

Store any leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can air fry or bake them in the oven until heated through and crisp again. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Just shape them, place them on a tray to freeze, and then transfer them to a bag or container.

Tips to Make Falafel

Make sure to soak the chickpeas well, as this is key to the texture.
Don’t blend the mixture too much; it should still have some texture.
If the patties are too crumbly, add a little flour to help them hold together.
For extra flavor, you can add spices like paprika or sumac.

Variation

You can change up the herbs based on your preference. Some people like to add dashes of chili powder for extra spice or incorporate different beans for unique flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
While it’s best to use dried chickpeas for the right texture, you can use canned chickpeas. Just reduce the amount of water in the recipe and be careful with blending, as they may become mushy.

2. Is falafel gluten-free?
Yes, falafel made with the ingredients listed is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to check any additional ingredients or sauces you use to serve with it.

3. Can I make falafel ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare falafel ahead of time. Shape the patties and keep them in the fridge or freeze them for later cooking.