Description

Indulge in the delightful crunch and aromatic flavors of homemade falafel! This easy recipe features crispy, golden balls made from soaked chickpeas and vibrant herbs, seasoned to perfection. Whether enjoyed in a pita, as a salad topping, or on their own with dipping sauces, these falafel bites are not just delicious—they’re also vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
½ cup fresh parsley leaves
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 small sweet onion (finely chopped)
3 garlic cloves (crushed)
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Soak dried chickpeas in water overnight. Drain before use.
In a food processor, blend soaked chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper until a coarse paste forms.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
With wet hands, form small balls or patties from the mixture.
In a deep pan over medium heat, add vegetable oil until it shimmers (about 350°F/175°C).
Carefully fry falafel for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 falafel balls (70g)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, try incorporating spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. If you prefer baking instead of frying, shape the falafel and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes until crispy.