Authentic falafel Recipe:2025

authentic falafel

If you’re craving crispy, golden, and perfectly spiced faelafl, you’ve come to the right place! This authentic falafel recipe is packed with Middle Eastern flavor, 100% vegan, and naturally gluten-free. Whether stuffed into pita bread, served as a snack, or included in a mezze platter, these homemade falafels will steal the spotlight. Read on to discover how to make falafel from scratch using traditional methods.


What is Falafel?

Falafel is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas (or fava beans), herbs, and spices. It originated in the Middle East and has since become a global vegetarian favorite. The perfect falafel is crispy on the outside and fluffy and green on the inside, thanks to fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro.


🔍 Why This is the Best Falafel Recipe.

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  • Perfect for Google Search: Step-by-step, vegan-friendly, easy to make
  • Audience appeal: Great for vegetarians, health-conscious eaters, and Mediterranean food lovers

🛒 Ingredients for Falafel

Here are the traditional ingredients needed to make falafel from scratch:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (not canned)
  • ½ large onion, roughly chopped
  • 3–4 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp flour (chickpea flour or all-purpose)
  • Oil for deep frying
  • authentic falafel

💡 Soaking the Chickpeas (Don’t Skip This Step!)

Unlike canned chickpeas, dried chickpeas are essential for falafel texture. Follow these steps:

  1. Soak 1 cup dried chickpeas in plenty of cold water for 12 to 18 hours (overnight).
  2. They will triple in size, becoming tender but not soft.
  3. Drain and rinse thoroughly before using.

💡 Pro Tip: Do not cook the chickpeas. Use only soaked raw chickpeas for traditional falafel.


🥣 How to Make Falafel – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

  1. In a food processor, combine:
    • Soaked chickpeas (drained)
    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Parsley
    • Cilantro
  2. Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse paste.
  3. Scrape down the sides to ensure even consistency.

The mixture should be slightly grainy, not smooth like hummus.

authentic falafel


Step 2: Season the Falafel Mixture

  1. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
  2. Add:
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Cumin
    • Coriander
    • Baking soda
    • Flour (as a binder)
  3. Mix well to form a dough-like texture.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
  5. authentic falafel

Step 3: Shape the Falafel Balls

  1. Use your hands or a falafel scoop to form small balls or patties.
  2. Each should be about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  3. Do not press too tightly — a light hand gives the best texture.
  4. authentic falafel

Step 4: Fry the Falafel

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan (about 2 inches deep).
  2. Test oil temperature with a small piece — it should sizzle and rise.
  3. Fry falafel in batches — don’t overcrowd the pan.
  4. Cook until deep golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
  5. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. authentic falafel

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Falafel is incredibly versatile! Here’s how you can enjoy it:

  • Falafel Pita Sandwich: Stuff warm pita bread with falafel, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and tahini sauce.
  • Falafel Salad Bowl: Serve over a bed of greens with quinoa, cucumber, and hummus.
  • Mezze Platter: Pair with hummus, baba ganoush, olives, and tabbouleh.

🌿 How to Bake or Air Fry Falafel (Healthy Option)

Baked Falafel:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place falafel balls on a greased baking sheet.
  • Lightly brush with olive oil.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air-Fried Falafel:

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Spray falafel lightly with oil.
  • Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.

🧊 How to Store Falafel

  • Refrigerator: Store cooked falafel in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze uncooked falafel balls for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before frying or baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas?

A: It’s not recommended. Canned chickpeas are too soft and can make falafel mushy. Use soaked, dried chickpeas for best results.

Q: Why is my falafel falling apart?

A: The mixture might be too wet or under-processed. Add a little more flour and pulse again until it holds together.

Q: What sauce goes best with falafel?

A: Classic tahini sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or zesty tzatziki all pair beautifully.


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Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Falafel Recipe

This step-by-step falafel recipe is not only easy and flavorful but also incredibly adaptable to various diets. Made with simple pantry ingredients, loaded with fresh herbs, and naturally plant-based, it’s the kind of meal that brings both comfort and global flavor to your table.

Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, this homemade falafel will win hearts with every bite.

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