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.
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🛒 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
💡 Soaking the Chickpeas (Don’t Skip This Step!)
Unlike canned chickpeas, dried chickpeas are essential for falafel texture. Follow these steps:
- Soak 1 cup dried chickpeas in plenty of cold water for 12 to 18 hours (overnight).
- They will triple in size, becoming tender but not soft.
- 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
- In a food processor, combine:
- Soaked chickpeas (drained)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Pulse until the mixture becomes a coarse paste.
- Scrape down the sides to ensure even consistency.
The mixture should be slightly grainy, not smooth like hummus.
✅ Step 2: Season the Falafel Mixture
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
- Add:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Baking soda
- Flour (as a binder)
- Mix well to form a dough-like texture.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
✅ Step 3: Shape the Falafel Balls
- Use your hands or a falafel scoop to form small balls or patties.
- Each should be about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Do not press too tightly — a light hand gives the best texture.
✅ Step 4: Fry the Falafel
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan (about 2 inches deep).
- Test oil temperature with a small piece — it should sizzle and rise.
- Fry falafel in batches — don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook until deep golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
🥗 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.