Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish loved by people all around the world for its crunchy exterior and flavorful, spiced interior. Made primarily from chickpeas or fava beans, falafel is a delicious and nutritious vegetarian option that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even in sandwiches or salads. If you’re looking to try your hand at making falafel at home, napac have got you covered with this simple and scrumptious homemade falafel recipe.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start making falafel, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Prepare the Chickpeas
Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry using a paper towel. It is essential to use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones for the best texture and flavor in your falafel.
Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic cloves, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking soda, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. Blend the ingredients until you get a coarse, crumbly mixture.
Rest the Mixture
Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover it, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and makes the mixture easier to handle.
Shape the Falafel
After the resting period, take the falafel mixture out of the refrigerator. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can wet your hands with water to make the shaping process smoother.
Fry the Falafel
In a deep frying pan or a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully add the falafel balls or patties to the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying.
Drain Excess Oil
Once the falafel is fried to perfection, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious homemade falafel is now ready to be served! You can enjoy them with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables. Falafel also makes a great addition to salads and wraps.
Tips and Variations
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the falafel mixture.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use chickpea flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Some people like to add a little baking powder to the mixture to make the falafel even lighter and fluffier.
Conclusion
Making delicious homemade falafel is a rewarding and delightful experience. With its crispy exterior and soft, spiced interior, falafel is sure to win the hearts of everyone at your table. So, the next time you’re craving a flavorful and wholesome vegetarian dish, give this homemade falafel recipe a try!
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
Using dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight is recommended for the best results. Canned chickpeas contain excess moisture and may not give you the desired texture.
2. Can I bake the falafel instead of frying them?
While frying gives falafel its signature crispiness, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for a healthier alternative. However, they may not be as crunchy.
3. How long can I store leftover falafel?
You can refrigerate leftover falafel in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
4. What other sauces go well with falafel?
Besides tahini sauce and hummus, you can try serving falafel with tzatziki, garlic sauce, or a yogurt-based dip.
5. Can I freeze the falafel mixture for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked falafel mixture in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before shaping and frying.
