Description
Authentic falafel with a crispy golden exterior and fluffy herb-packed interior. Made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, and warm spices, it is delicious served in pita with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
2 cups dried chickpeas
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup fresh parsley leaves
3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup fresh dill
1 small onion, quartered
7 garlic cloves
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp ground black pepper
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
Pita bread, for serving
Tahini sauce, for serving
Tomatoes, diced, for serving
Cucumbers, diced, for serving
Arugula, for serving
Instructions
- Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl and cover generously with water. Soak for 18 to 24 hours, then drain and pat dry.
- Add the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, dill, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to a food processor. Pulse until finely ground but not completely smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Stir in the baking powder and toasted sesame seeds.
- Using slightly wet hands, shape the mixture into small patties or balls.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the falafel in batches for 3 to 5 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot in pita bread with tahini sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and arugula.
Notes
For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper.
A squeeze of lemon juice can be added to the mixture for a brighter flavor.
Lettuce wraps or salad bowls can be used instead of pita bread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Use soaked dried chickpeas rather than canned chickpeas for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Fry
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
