Middle Eastern Falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern vegan dish made from soaked chickpeas blended with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, then deep-fried until crispy and golden. These delicious falafel balls or patties are commonly served with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, fresh salad, and pickles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained well
- ½ onion, chopped
- 5–6 garlic cloves
- 1–2 green chillies
- ¼ tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- Large bunch of coriander leaves
- 2 spring onions
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Add the soaked chickpeas to a food processor.
- Add the coriander leaves and spring onions.
- Add the chopped onion and green chillies.
- Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Add the lemon juice.
- Grind everything together into a coarse mixture.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 15–20 minutes.
- Lightly grease your hands.
- Shape the mixture into smooth balls or flat patties (approximately 14–18 falafels).
- Heat oil for deep frying.
- Deep fry the falafels over medium heat until golden brown. Avoid stirring too much while frying. They can also be shallow-fried or air-fried.
- Once evenly golden brown, remove the falafels and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Your crispy and delicious falafels are ready to serve.
