Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained worldwide recognition due to its delicious taste and nutritional value. It is a vegan, protein-packed dish made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices. In this article, we will show you how to make and cook falafel that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Our falafel recipe is easy to follow and will help you prepare restaurant-quality falafel in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients Needed to Make Falafel Recipe
To make falafel, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Make sure to use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones, as the latter will not give you the right consistency. Also, fresh herbs are essential to give falafel its unique taste, so avoid using dried ones.
For the Marinade Falafel Recipe
To make the marinade, you will need:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
Mix all the ingredients until well combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Kitchen Tools Needed Falafel Recipe
You will need the following kitchen tools:
- Food processor or blender
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
How to Make Falafel Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make falafel:
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and crumbly, with no large chunks remaining.
- Add the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and baking soda to the chickpea mixture. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still a bit coarse. Do not overblend, or the mixture will become too smooth and difficult to shape.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the flour. Mix well until the flour is fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make the mixture easier to handle.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan or deep fryer. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Carefully add the falafel to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the falafel from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
How to Cook Falafel Recipe
You can serve falafel in many ways, but the most common way is to stuff them in pita bread with salad, pickles, and the marinade. Here's how to cook falafel:
- Cut the pita bread in half and stuff it with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and pickles.
- Add the falafel to the pita bread and top it with the marinade.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?
No, canned chickpeas will not give you the right consistency. It's best to use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight.
2. Can I freeze falafel?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked falafel for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze for a few hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and cook as usual.
3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If the bread sizzles and turns golden brown within a few seconds, the oil is hot enough.
4. Can I bake falafel instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake falafel in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. However, they won't be as crispy as fried falafel.
5. Can I use different herbs or spices?
Yes, you can customize the herbs and spices to your liking. Just make sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Now that you know how to make and cook falafel, it's time to put your skills to the test. Follow our easy recipe, and you'll have delicious falafel in no time. Enjoy!