Cook delicious falafel at home with this easy-peasy recipe
Falafel, a Middle Eastern favorite, has a crispy shell and a savory heart. Born in Egypt and traditionally made with fava beans, it now primarily uses chickpeas. This vegetarian dish is a Middle Eastern staple and a global street food favorite. Falafel is more than sustenance; it's a cultural touchstone. Let's start cooking this eggless wonder.
Gather the following ingredients
Begin your falafel quest with two cups of dried chickpeas (soaked overnight), one large onion (chopped), two cloves of garlic (minced), one cup of fresh parsley (chopped), a teaspoon each of cumin and ground coriander, half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, salt to taste, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and frying oil. These components come together for the quintessential falafel mixture.
Preparing the falafel mix
Drain your soaked chickpeas thoroughly. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas with chopped onion, minced garlic, and parsley. Add cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture is coarse yet holds together when pressed, avoiding a smooth or pasty consistency. This texture is key to authentic falafel, ensuring it's properly firm and tender inside.
Shaping and cooking
Transfer your mixture to a bowl and stir in baking soda; this helps in getting that perfect crispiness on the outside while keeping it tender inside. Let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties using your hands or a falafel scoop if you have one.
Frying to perfection
Once the oil is hot enough (a small piece of mixture should sizzle upon contact), carefully drop in several falafels at a time without crowding them. Fry until golden brown on all sides, which should take about four to five minutes per batch. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serving suggestions
Falafels are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer while they're still warm and crispy. They can be served in various ways: stuffed inside pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce or atop a bed of greens as part of a vibrant salad bowl. Whichever way you choose to serve them up ensures an explosion of flavors that makes this dish universally loved.
