Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern street food made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. These crispy, golden-brown balls or patties are perfect for stuffing into pita bread, serving on salads, or enjoying as a snack.
The key to perfect falafel is using dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight, which gives them the right texture and flavor.
Homemade Falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern street food made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. These crispy, golden-brown balls or patties are perfect for stuffing into pita bread, serving on salads, or enjoying as a snack. Let's make this easy homemade falafel together!
Ingredients
For the Falafel:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked overnight (do not use canned chickpeas)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves stems removed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves stems removed
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 small green chili pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying vegetable, canola, or avocado oil
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas
- Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Soak overnight or for at least 8-12 hours. The chickpeas will triple in size. Drain and rinse them before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Falafel Mixture
- In a food processor, add the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, and green chili pepper (if using).
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, baking powder, and black pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until it is finely ground but not pureed. The texture should be coarse, resembling coarse sand.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the chickpea flour. Mix until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 3: Shape the Falafel
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place the formed falafel on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 4: Fry the Falafel
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully drop the falafel into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the falafel for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the falafel from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the falafel hot with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables.
Tips and Information
- Chickpeas: Always use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight. Canned chickpeas will not work for this recipe.
- Chilling: Chilling the falafel mixture helps it hold together better when frying.
- Serving: Falafel can be served in pita bread, on salads, or as a snack with dipping sauces.
Making falafel at home allows you to enjoy this delicious dish with fresh ingredients and the perfect balance of spices. Whether you’re familiar with Middle Eastern cuisine or trying it for the first time, homemade falafel is sure to become a favorite.