How to Make Perfectly Crispy Falafel
How to make delicious and crispy falafel at home rivaling your favorite restaurants. After lots of kitchen tests, this falafel recipe has become our favorite way to make falafel. The recipe is straightforward, 100% plant-based (vegan), and the falafel tastes incredible. In addition to the active prep and cook time, you will need to soak dried chickpeas overnight. This can be done a couple days in advance, simply drain and pat dry the soaked beans, and then store, covered in the fridge until ready to make the falafel mix.
How to make delicious and crispy falafel at home rivaling your favorite restaurants. After lots of kitchen tests, this falafel recipe has become our favorite way to make falafel. The recipe is straightforward, 100% plant-based (vegan), and the falafel tastes incredible. In addition to the active prep and cook time, you will need to soak dried chickpeas overnight. This can be done a couple days in advance, simply drain and pat dry the soaked beans, and then store, covered in the fridge until ready to make the falafel mix.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 8 ounces (225 grams) dried chickpeas (1 heaping cup)
- 1 bunch scallions (85 grams) scallions trimmed (5 to 6), see notes
- 2 medium garlic cloves depending on how much you like garlic
- 2 cups packed fresh cilantro parsley, or mint leaves, we prefer to use a mixture of all three
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt plus more for serving
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder optional, see notes
- 2 cups (480 to 720ml) vegetable oil for frying
- Carbohydrate 0.599099120006704 g
- Cholesterol 0.136111110834963 mg
- Fat 0.0671561573442658 g
- Fiber 0.0539759249942426 g
- Protein 0.20827208309481 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0221832407026373 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (18g)
- Sodium 133.185185177855 mg
- Sugar 0.545123195012461 g
- Trans Fat 0.00972607407022244 g
- Calories 4 calories
Step-by-step
- Rinse the chickpeas then place into a large bowl and cover with cool water by about 4 inches. Cover and soak overnight or until the beans triple in size.
- Drain the soaked chickpeas, rinse, and then pat dry or add to a salad spinner to spin dry.
- Add chickpeas, scallions, garlic, herbs, salt, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cayenne, black pepper, and the baking powder to a bowl of a food processor. Pulse the mixture until very finely minced, but not pureed, scraping the bowl down as necessary. You should be able to press a handful together and have it hold its shape (it will be loose and a little crumbly).
- Transfer the falafel mix to a bowl and cover. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. If making ahead, you can refrigerate the mixture for a few days.
- Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to scoop out 1 1/2 tablespoons of the falafel mix then gently shape it into a ball and place onto a clean plate. Repeat with as many falafel as you plan to cook. The mix will not act like dough, but will hold its shape.
- Add at least 3/4 inch of oil to a deep saucepan, cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.
- Turn the heat to medium-high and heat the oil to between 350 degrees and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry the falafel in batches, without crowding in the pan, until they are browned on the bottom sides. Using two forks, carefully flip the falafel to brown the other side, 3 1/2 minutes to 4 minutes total.
- Transfer the cooked falafel to a plate lined with paper towel, sprinkle with a little salt, and then repeat with the remaining falafel balls. Serve immediately.
My Crispy Falafel Adventure: A Simple Recipe for Homemade Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a real challenge. I'm constantly juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and everything in between. But one thing I've learned is that even with a packed schedule, making time for simple, satisfying meals is worth it. It's not just about fueling my body, it's about creating little moments of calm and joy in my day. And this falafel recipe has become one of those moments.
I used to think making falafel at home was a daunting task, something only reserved for fancy restaurants or experienced chefs. But let me tell you, it's surprisingly simple! This recipe has become my go-to for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. The best part? It’s entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegetarians and vegans alike. And the crispy texture? Oh my, it's unbelievably satisfying.
The key to perfect falafel, I've discovered, lies in the preparation. Soaking the chickpeas overnight is essential—it softens them beautifully, making them easier to process into that wonderfully textured mixture. I often soak mine the night before, making the whole cooking process a breeze the next day. This little step saves me so much time and effort, allowing me to whip up a batch of these delicious treats even on a busy weeknight.
Another tip I've picked up along the way is about the oil. Don't skimp on it! A good amount of oil helps achieve that perfectly golden-brown, crispy exterior. However, always be mindful to cook the falafel in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding. And that crispy exterior? It is entirely worth the effort.
I love serving my falafel in pita bread with hummus, tahini, and a fresh salad. But it's also delicious served alongside rice or quinoa, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The possibilities are endless, really! This versatile dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a fun appetizer for a get-together with friends.
This recipe isn't just about making falafel; it's about finding joy in the simple act of cooking. It's a reminder to myself (and hopefully, to you too) that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a delicious and healthy meal that brings a little bit of happiness to my day. It's a recipe for good food, but also a recipe for self-care, for taking a moment to nourish both body and soul.
Ingredients (listed in the original recipe)
Instructions: (Summary - refer to the detailed steps for a thorough guide)
So there you have it—my go-to falafel recipe. Give it a try and let me know what you think! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a perfect example of how a simple recipe can bring so much joy to your kitchen. Happy cooking!
