The Ultimate Guide to Making Falafel at Home

If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, you’ve probably tried falafel before. These small, deep-fried balls made of chickpeas or fava beans are a staple in countries like Israel, Lebanon, and Egypt, and are now gaining popularity all over the world. But did you know that you can make delicious falafel at home? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll teach you how to make falafel from scratch, including tips and tricks to ensure a perfect result every time.

Ingredients

To make falafel, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (or fava beans)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil, for frying

Instructions

1. First, soak the chickpeas in water overnight (or for at least 12 hours). Drain and rinse well.
2. In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well blended but still slightly coarse.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until it’s firm enough to form into balls.
4. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and flatten them slightly. Make sure they’re evenly shaped.
5. Fill a large pot with oil and heat it until it reaches 375°F.
6. Working in batches, carefully drop the falafel balls into the hot oil and fry for about 5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serve the falafel warm, with your favorite dips and toppings.

Tips and Tricks

• If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender or a mortar and pestle, but the texture may not be as even.
• Make sure you use dried chickpeas (or fava beans) rather than canned ones, as they will give you a better result.
• The mixture may be too wet or too dry depending on factors like humidity and the quality of the chickpeas. If it’s too wet, add more flour; if it’s too dry, add a little water or lemon juice.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying the falafel, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in greasy, soggy falafel.
• You can also bake the falafel in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, if you prefer a healthier option.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?

While canned chickpeas are convenient, they may not give you the texture and flavor that you’re looking for in falafel. Dried chickpeas are the traditional and recommended option.

Can I freeze the falafel?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked falafel balls for up to a month. When ready to use, simply thaw them in the fridge and fry as usual.

What are some good toppings for falafel?

Some popular toppings for falafel include tahini sauce, hummus, tzatziki, chopped tomatoes and onions, pickles, and hot sauce.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, you can use fava beans instead of chickpeas, or a combination of both. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the falafel mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. The longer you let it sit, the more flavorful it will become.

Is falafel vegan?

Yes, falafel is typically vegan, as it’s made of plant-based ingredients.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil, or you can test it by dropping a small amount of the falafel mixture into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.

Conclusion

Making falafel at home may seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and patience, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavor that will impress your family and friends. Follow these simple instructions and tips, and get creative with your toppings and dips. You never know, you may become the go-to falafel maker in your circle!