Description
Golden Crispy Falafel: The Ultimate Middle Eastern Comfort Food. These golden-brown falafel bites deliver an explosion of Middle Eastern flavors in every crunchy mouthful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Soak the dried chickpeas in a large bowl with water for 18-24 hours until they’ve doubled in size. They should break apart easily when pressed but still be firm. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- Process the soaked chickpeas in a food processor until coarsely ground—I find 8-10 pulses achieves that perfect texture where it’s broken down but not pasty.
- Add the herbs, onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper to the processor. Pulse another 10-12 times until everything is well combined but still slightly chunky. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but maintain visible specks of herbs.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and sprinkle in the baking powder. Fold it in gently with a spatula until fully incorporated, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the mixture into balls or patties about 2 inches in diameter (about 2 tablespoons each). Press firmly between your palms to ensure they hold together.
- Cook your falafel using one of two methods: For air frying, brush with olive oil and cook at 380°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For deep frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Drain fried falafel on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt while still hot. Air-fried falafel can be transferred directly to a serving plate.
- Serve immediately while still crispy, with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tahini sauce for the authentic experience!
Notes
- Prep Time: 24 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Falafel, Middle Eastern, Vegan, Comfort Food