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.
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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.

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