Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these crispy homemade falafels! They’re like little bites of sunshine, packed with the flavor of fresh herbs and chickpeas. I remember the first time I had falafel at a tiny street vendor in a bustling market. The warm, crispy exterior gave way to a soft, flavorful center that just melted in my mouth. Ever since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that perfect falafel at home, and trust me, this recipe does not disappoint! It’s super easy to make, and you get to control the spices, making each batch uniquely yours. Plus, they’re vegan and packed with protein, making them a delicious and healthy main course. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying (enough for about 1 inch of oil in the pan)
How to Prepare Crispy Homemade Falafel
Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas
First things first, you’ll want to soak those dried chickpeas overnight. This step is super important because it softens the chickpeas and helps achieve that perfect texture we’re after. Just toss them in a bowl, cover with plenty of water, and let them soak until they’re nice and plump. When you’re ready to get cooking, drain and rinse them to wash away any impurities. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Now, grab your food processor and combine the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good pulse until everything is coarsely ground but not pureed—think chunky, not mushy! You want to keep some texture here because it’s what makes your falafel so delightful. If you over-process, they’ll turn into a paste, and we definitely don’t want that!
Step 3: Form the Falafel
Once your mixture is just right, it’s time to form the falafel! I like to use my hands to roll small balls or patties—about the size of a golf ball works well. If you find the mixture a bit crumbly, don’t worry! Just squeeze it tightly as you form them; that’s the trick to getting them to hold together. Place them on a plate while you prepare to fry.
Step 4: Fry the Falafel
Heat up a deep pan with about an inch of oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small piece of the falafel mixture sizzles when dropped in. Carefully add your falafel, making sure not to overcrowd the pan—this helps them cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden color on all sides. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping gently until they’re perfectly crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Tips for Success
To make your crispy homemade falafel truly shine, here are some pro tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste—add a pinch of cayenne for a kick or some extra herbs for freshness. If you’re worried about frying, you can bake them instead! Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the formed falafel on a lined baking sheet. Brush them lightly with oil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; if it’s too cool, your falafel will absorb too much oil and become soggy. And remember, it’s all about that perfect golden color—don’t rush them! Enjoy experimenting, and you’ll find your personal favorite version in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my crispy homemade falafel, which is about three falafel balls. Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, with 8 grams of fat (1 gram saturated), 6 grams of protein, and 18 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also get 5 grams of fiber, which is awesome for digestion! Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. So, feel free to adjust and enjoy knowing you’re indulging in something delicious and nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Ah, the age-old question! While you might be tempted to reach for canned chickpeas for convenience, I really recommend sticking with dried chickpeas. Soaking and cooking them yourself not only gives you a better texture—crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—but it also allows for a fresher flavor that’s just hard to beat. Trust me, the extra effort is totally worth it!
What can I serve with falafel?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving my crispy homemade falafel with a drizzle of tahini sauce, which adds a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly. You can also stuff them in warm pita bread with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up a tangy yogurt sauce or even a zesty salsa to elevate your falafel experience. Just think of all those delicious flavors coming together!
How can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover falafel (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cool before sealing them up to prevent any sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get that crispy texture back. Just keep an eye on them, so they don’t dry out. You’ll be amazed at how good they taste even the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to whip up, especially if you soak your chickpeas the night before!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Deliciously crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—just like you want!
- Packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices and herbs for a unique twist every time.
- Perfect for meal prep; they taste just as good the next day!
- Great for serving at parties or gatherings—everyone loves a good falafel!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your adventures in making these crispy homemade falafel! Did you put your own spin on the spices? What did you serve them with? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, tips, or any questions you have. And if you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to rate it! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps other falafel lovers find this delicious dish. Let’s keep the conversation going—I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own!
For more information on the health benefits of chickpeas, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in other delicious vegetarian recipes, visit this page for a tasty cauliflower dish.
For a delightful drink to pair with your falafel, consider making spiced apple cider.
Print
Crispy Homemade Falafel That Will Brighten Your Day
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy homemade falafel made from chickpeas and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, and salt.
- Pulse until coarsely ground but not pureed.
- Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry the falafel until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm with tahini sauce or in pita.
Notes
- Do not use canned chickpeas for the best texture.
- Adjust spices to your taste preference.
- Falafel can be baked for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 falafel
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crispy homemade falafel
