Crispy Falafel Recipe
Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with flavorful herbs and spices, and deep-fried to golden perfection. In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step to achieve perfectly crispy falafel that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients for Crispy Falafel
Here’s what you’ll need to make approximately 20 falafel balls:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (do not use canned)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh parsley, tightly packed
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)
- Salt to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
How to Make Crispy Falafel
Follow these steps for the perfect falafel:
1. Soak the Chickpeas
- Soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas in water for 12-24 hours. The chickpeas will double in size.
- Pro Tip: Use a large bowl and plenty of water since the chickpeas expand significantly.
2. Blend the Ingredients
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Add them to a food processor along with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and salt.
- Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. The texture should be gritty, not smooth.
- Pro Tip: Avoid over-blending. Too smooth, and the falafel will be dense.
3. Add Binding Ingredients
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the baking powder and flour. Mix well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Why? Refrigeration helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape.
4. Shape the Falafel
- Take about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a small ball or patty. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Pro Tip: If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a little more flour (1 teaspoon at a time).
5. Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Gently drop 4-5 falafel balls into the hot oil at a time.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Falafel can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Falafel Pita Sandwich: Stuff falafel into pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and tahini sauce.
- Falafel Salad Bowl: Serve over a bed of greens with a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing.
- Falafel Platter: Pair with hummus, pickled vegetables, and flatbread.
Pro Tips for the Best Falafel
- Use dried chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are too soft and will not yield crispy falafel.
- Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh parsley and cilantro are key to the vibrant flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F. Too low, and the falafel absorbs oil; too high, and it burns.
- Freeze leftovers: Uncooked falafel can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just shape and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Final Thoughts
Making crispy falafel at home is easy with the right tips and techniques. Whether you enjoy it in a wrap, salad, or on its own, falafel is a versatile dish that’s sure to impress.
