10 Best Chickpea Flour Falafel Recipes
Falafel Recipe Learn to make chickpea falafel the traditional way
Cover Falafel Recipe Learn to make chickpea falafel the traditional way (667x1000)
Table of Contents
What is Falafel?
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices. It is typically shaped into small balls or patties and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Falafel can be enjoyed on its own, served in pita bread with various toppings, or as part of a mezze platter.
Ingredients
To make delicious chickpea falafel, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare delicious chickpea falafel:
- Place the dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a food processor. Add the onion, garlic cloves, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, flour, and salt.
- Pulse the mixture in the food processor until it forms a coarse paste. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Chilling the mixture will make it easier to shape into balls or patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use your hands or a falafel scoop to shape them.
- Carefully drop the falafel balls or patties into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the falafel from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining falafel mixture.
- Serve the falafel hot with tahini sauce, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Falafel can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Stuff falafel balls or patties into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
- Serve falafel on a platter with hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and pickled vegetables for a delicious mezze spread.
- Add falafel to salads for an extra protein boost and a crunchy texture.
- Serve falafel as an appetizer with a selection of dips such as tzatziki, harissa, or spicy tomato sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas?
A1: While it is possible to use canned chickpeas, the texture and taste of the falafel may not be the same as when using dried chickpeas. Canned chickpeas have a higher moisture content, which can result in a softer falafel. If you prefer a crispier texture, it is recommended to use dried chickpeas.
Q2: Can I bake falafel instead of frying?
A2: Yes, you can bake falafel instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the falafel mixture into balls or patties and place them on the baking sheet. Brush the falafel with a little olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Q3: Can I freeze falafel?
A3: Yes, falafel can be frozen for later use. Once the falafel balls or patties are fried, allow them to cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating each layer with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake the frozen falafel in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Q4: Can I use different herbs and spices in my falafel?
A4: Absolutely! While the traditional falafel recipe calls for parsley and cilantro, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Some popular additions include mint, dill, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Feel free to get creative and customize the flavors to your liking.
Q5: Is falafel vegan-friendly?
A5: Yes, falafel is vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products. It is a great option for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. However, it is always essential to check the ingredients and cooking method, as some variations may use eggs or dairy products.
Conclusion
Falafel is a delicious Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It is a versatile and flavorful option that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it in a pita sandwich, as part of a mezze platter, or on its own, falafel is sure to satisfy your cravings. By following the simple recipe and tips provided, you can easily make homemade falafel that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in the mouthwatering goodness of falafel!
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