Arabic Food

Homemade Falafel Recipe

Name: Easy Homemade Falafel Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dry chickpeas/garbanzo beans; 1/2 small sized onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1/2 tsp ground coriander powder; 1/8 tsp black pepper powder; a pinch of red chili powder/cayenne pepper; 1 tbsp chickpea flour or all purpose flour; 3/4 to 1 tsp salt; enough oil

Do you want to learn how to make easy homemade Falafel Recipe? I will guide you. Falafel is a deep-fried patty made from ground chickpeas.

Welcome to today's post where we will be exploring the delicious and flavorful world of homemade falafel. This Middle Eastern dish is a favorite among many for its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. What makes this recipe truly unique is the use of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. So, let's dive in and learn how to make this homemade falafel recipe!

What Is Homemade Falafel Recipe?

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with a variety of herbs and spices, and then deep-fried to perfection. This homemade falafel recipe combines the succulent main ingredients of chickpeas, onion, garlic, and fresh parsley with a blend of Indian spices, including cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, and a pinch of red chili powder.
The addition of chickpea flour or all-purpose flour helps to bind the mixture together, resulting in crispy, flavorful falafel balls that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The combination of the main ingredients with the Indian spices and unique seasoning creates a delightful fusion of flavors, making this homemade falafel recipe a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their next meal.

Why You'll Love Homemade Falafel Recipe?

Deliciously Crispy Texture: The homemade falafel recipe results in a crispy exterior and a perfectly moist and flavorful interior. The combination of the chickpeas, onions, and spices creates a delightful texture that is hard to resist.
Packed with Plant-Based Protein: Chickpeas, the main ingredient in falafel, are a great source of plant-based protein. This makes falafel a healthy and filling option for vegetarians and vegans alike.
Rich in Fiber and Nutrients: Chickpeas are also high in fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients. By making falafel at home, you can ensure you're getting all the nutritional benefits without any unnecessary additives or preservatives.
Versatile and Customizable: You can customize the falafel recipe with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, you have complete control over the flavor profile.
Great for Meal Prepping: Prepare a large batch of falafel and freeze the uncooked mixture for future use. This way, you'll have a quick and convenient meal option ready whenever you need it.
Satisfying and Budget-Friendly: Homemade falafel is not only satisfying and delicious, but it is also a budget-friendly option for a filling and nutritious meal. Plus, you can easily adjust the recipe to make smaller or larger batches, depending on your needs.

Ingredients for Homemade Falafel Recipe

Chickpeas/Garbanzo Beans: The main ingredient in falafel, chickpeas provide a hearty and nutty flavor, as well as a satisfying texture.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the falafel mixture, enhancing its overall taste.
Fresh Parsley: Provides a refreshing and herbaceous taste, adding a burst of freshness to the falafel.
Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall depth of the falafel mixture.
Cumin Powder: Brings a warm and earthy flavor to the falafel, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Coriander Powder: Adds a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the overall taste of the falafel.

How To Make Homemade Falafel Recipe?

Falafel is a delicious and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by many. Making homemade falafel is easy and can be done with just a few simple ingredients. Follow these steps to create your very own homemade falafel:

Begin by soaking the chickpeas/garbanzo beans overnight and then draining them.
Place the drained chickpeas in a food processor along with onion, parsley, garlic, cumin powder, coriander powder, black pepper powder, red chili powder, chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour), and salt. Process until you get a coarse mixture.
Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to a wide bowl and stir well using a fork.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Heat a pan with enough oil slowly over medium heat.
Form the falafel mixture into round balls and gently flatten them using your palms.
Place the falafel in the medium-hot oil and fry both sides until they are golden brown and crisp.
Remove the falafel from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.
Repeat the same process for the rest of the falafel mixture.

The key to a flavorful falafel experience lies in the preparation of the mixture and the frying process. Allowing the mixture to rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors to develop, while frying the falafel till they are golden brown and crisp ensures a delicious texture. Try making your own homemade falafel and enjoy this tasty dish!

Serving Suggestions

Pita Bread or Wrap: Enjoy your homemade falafel inside a warm pita bread or wrap, along with some fresh veggies and a dollop of hummus for a delicious and filling meal.
Hummus and Tzatziki: Pair your falafel with creamy hummus and refreshing tzatziki for a burst of flavors and textures that perfectly complement the crunchy falafel.
Tabbouleh Salad: Serve your falafel with a side of tabbouleh salad, a fresh and herby salad made with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and bulgur, for a light and refreshing accompaniment.
Israeli Salad: The crisp and colorful Israeli salad with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, makes a delightful side dish to enjoy with your falafel.
Crispy Fries: For a more indulgent meal, serve your falafel with a side of crispy French fries, offering a satisfying contrast in flavor and texture.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Balance out the richness of the falafel with a light and juicy fresh fruit salad, featuring a combination of your favorite fruits for a sweet and refreshing addition to your meal.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Falafel

Furthermore, I would like to give suggestions for a perfect and easy homemade falafel recipe.

Firstly, put the chickpeas in a wide bowl and add enough cold water to cover them by at least 3 inches. Let soak overnight, then drain.Place the drained, uncooked chickpeas in your food processor along with chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cumin powder, coriander powder, pepper powder, red chili powder, chickpea flour, and salt, process until you get a coarse mixture. (Scrape the sides in between. The mixture should be in the consistency between the texture of ‘couscous’ and a smooth paste). Once the mixture reaches the desired consistency, place it in a wide bowl and stir well by using a fork. Then cover the bowl and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours.
Secondly, you can serve falafel as a teatime snack. You can also serve it as a sandwich, stuffed in Pita Bread, topped with greens, boiled eggs, pickled vegetables, grilled eggplant, French fries, tomatoes, and tahini-based sauce. It is also served as a burger for lunch, just lightly griddle the burger buns on the cut side in a griddle pan or toast. Then spread houmous on one side of each bun, top with falafel patties, add a handful of lettuce, then pop the remaining bun half on top.
Finally, the balls will stick together loosely at first, but it will bind nicely after frying.
If you feel the mixture is very brittle, then add some chickpea flour. (Don’t add too much, just 1/2 to 1 tbsp is enough)
When adding salt, make sure to add around 3/4 to 1 tsp salt to the mixture. This will give the falafels the right taste. Because falafels are usually slightly salty in taste.
Cooking Techniques: When frying the falafel, make sure to use enough oil and heat it slowly over medium heat. This will ensure that the falafel cooks evenly and becomes golden brown and crispy.
Consistency of Mixture: When blending the ingredients in the food processor, be sure to process until you achieve a coarse mixture. This will ensure that the falafel holds its shape and texture when frying.
Refrigeration Time: After blending the mixture, refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours. This step allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to form the mixture into round balls.
Absorbing Excess Oil: After frying the falafel, place them over kitchen tissues to absorb the excess oil. This will make the falafel less greasy and more enjoyable to eat.

By following these tips, you can create perfectly crispy and flavorful homemade falafel that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Variations for Homemade Falafel Recipe

Spicy Variation: Add extra red chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mixture for an extra kick of heat. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for an even spicier falafel.
Herb Infused Variation: Experiment with different herbs such as dill, mint, or cilantro to infuse different flavors into your falafel. You can also try a combination of herbs for a unique taste.
Vegetable Variation: Mix in some grated carrots, zucchini, or spinach into the falafel mixture for added color and nutrition. This can also add a subtle sweetness and a different texture to your falafel.
Nutty Variation: Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios into the falafel mixture for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
Gluten-Free Variation: Replace chickpea flour or all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of falafel.
Baked Variation: For a healthier alternative, bake the falafel in the oven instead of frying. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and crisp.

Experiment with these variations to create a falafel recipe that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the process of creating your own unique falafel recipe!

How to Store Homemade Falafel Recipe

Refrigeration is Key: After making the falafel mixture, store it in a wide, airtight container and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. This helps the mixture to firm up and holds its shape when frying.
Use Air-Tight Containers: Store any leftover uncooked falafel mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Keep Chickpeas Fresh: Store dry chickpeas/garbanzo beans in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Make sure to keep them in a sealed container to prevent any pests or moisture from getting in.
Parsley Preservation: To keep fresh parsley at its best, wrap it in a damp paper towel and store it in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will help retain its freshness and vibrant green color.
Onion and Garlic Storage: Store onions and garlic in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, but not in the refrigerator. Keep them in a well-ventilated container to prevent them from sprouting or rotting.
Proper Oil Storage: After using the oil for frying the falafel, allow it to cool down and then strain it to remove any food particles. Store the oil in a clean, dry container with a tight-fitting lid, away from heat and direct sunlight, to reuse it for future cooking.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that the key ingredients for your homemade falafel recipe stay fresh and ready to use for your next batch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dry chickpeas?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas instead of dry chickpeas. Just make sure to drain and rinse the canned chickpeas before using them in the recipe.

Can I make the falafel mixture in advance and store it?

Yes, you can make the falafel mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Can I bake the falafel instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the falafel instead of frying it for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Can I freeze the falafel mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the falafel mixture for future use. Form the falafel mixture into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frying or baking.

Can I adjust the spices to my preference?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of cumin, coriander, black pepper, and red chili powder according to your taste preference.

Can I make the falafel gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the falafel gluten-free by using chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour. This will make the recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or allergies.

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