Falafel Plant (Recipe)

Welcome to our delicious homemade falafel recipe! If you’re in the mood for an easy and flavorful plant-based meal, you’ve come to the right place. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create mouthwatering falafel balls that will satisfy your taste buds. So let’s get started on this falafel plant adventure!

Key Takeaways:

• Create flavorful and satisfying falafel at home with this easy recipe.
• Enjoy the flavors of the Middle East in the comfort of your own kitchen.
• Homemade falafel is a tasty and nutritious plant-based option.
• By following this recipe, you can make delicious falafel balls that are perfect for various meals.
• Prepare your taste buds for a delightful falafel experience!

What is Falafel? Traditional vs. Homemade

Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity around the world. It is made using simple ingredients such as chickpeas, cumin, coriander, parsley or cilantro, and garlic. Traditional falafel is known for being deep-fried in oil, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

Falafel is a vegetarian delight, packed with protein and bursting with aromatic spices.

However, for those who prefer a healthier alternative, homemade falafel offers a baked option, reducing the amount of oil used while maintaining the delicious taste. By opting for dried chickpeas instead of canned ones and soaking them overnight, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your homemade falafel. The addition of roasted onion and garlic elevates the taste profile of this popular dish, adding a depth of flavor that balances perfectly with the spices and herbs.

Traditional Falafel Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley or cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak the dried chickpeas in water overnight. Drain and rinse well.
2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley or cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking soda, and flour. Process until well combined but still slightly coarse.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the falafel in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Remove the falafel from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Now you have a delicious batch of traditional falafel that can be enjoyed on its own, in pita bread with tahini sauce, or as a topping for salads or bowls.

Easy Vegan Baked Falafel Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious falafel recipe that is both vegan and easy to make, you’re in luck! This oil-free falafel recipe requires only 8 ingredients and can be baked to perfection. By using canned chickpeas and roasting them to dry them out, you can achieve a flavorful and moist falafel without the need for frying.

To add a boost of flavor, we recommend roasting onion and garlic and incorporating them into the falafel mixture. This step will give your falafel an extra dimension of taste. And if you like a little heat, don’t forget to add some hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.

Once your falafel mixture is ready, simply shape it into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in a preheated oven until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. The result? Delicious vegan falafel that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Serve your vegan baked falafel with your favorite sauce, whether it’s a tangy tahini dressing or a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. You can also enjoy them as a filling in pita bread, accompanied by fresh vegetables and a drizzle of your preferred sauce.

These vegan baked falafel balls are a healthier alternative to traditional fried falafel, without compromising on flavor. They are perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

So, give this easy vegan baked falafel recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your dietary preferences.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Baked Falafel:

• Process the falafel mixture until it holds together easily when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a bit of water, and if it’s too wet, add more chickpea flour or starch.
• Chilling the mixture before shaping can help it hold together better.
• Leave enough space between each falafel ball on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.

How to Make Homemade Falafel with Canned Chickpeas

If you don’t have dried chickpeas on hand, you can still enjoy a delicious homemade falafel using canned chickpeas. This quick and easy recipe eliminates the need for soaking and provides a convenient alternative. By processing the canned chickpeas with fresh herbs, spices, and a binder like potato starch or chickpea flour, you can create flavorful falafel patties that are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons potato starch or chickpea flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper (if desired), potato starch or chickpea flour, and salt and pepper.
2. Pulse the mixture until well combined, but not completely smooth. You want some texture in your falafel.
3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Place the falafel patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the falafel is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve the homemade falafel with your favorite sauce, in pita bread, or as part of a salad.

Enjoy the flavorful and quick homemade falafel made with canned chickpeas!

Tips for Perfect Homemade Falafel

To ensure your homemade falafel turns out perfectly, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Process the falafel mixture: Make sure to process the falafel mixture until it holds together easily when pressed. This will ensure a cohesive texture for your falafel balls.
2. Adjust the consistency: If the falafel mixture is too dry, add a bit of water to moisten it. On the other hand, if the mixture is too wet, add more chickpea flour or starch to bind it together.
3. Chill the mixture: Before shaping the falafel balls, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help the falafel hold its shape better during cooking.
4. Baking or air frying: When baking or air frying the falafel, make sure to leave enough space between each piece on the baking sheet or air fryer basket. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve optimal crispiness.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create the best homemade falafel recipe that is flavorful, crispy, and satisfying.

Serving and Storing Falafel

There are many ways to enjoy falafel. You can serve them in pita bread with fresh vegetables and sauce, or as part of a salad bowl or mezze platter. The versatility of falafel allows it to be a delicious addition to various dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or an impressive appetizer for a gathering, falafel is sure to satisfy.

If you happen to have leftover falafel, don’t worry! It can be stored and enjoyed later. To keep your falafel fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its texture and flavor. Leftover falafel can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness.

For those who enjoy meal prepping or want to save falafel for another time, freezing is an excellent option. Simply arrange the cooked falafel in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the falafel to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen falafel can be reheated in the oven or air fryer straight from the freezer.

Conclusion

Making homemade falafel is both rewarding and delicious. With this easy recipe, you can bring the vibrant flavors of the Middle East right into your own kitchen. Whether you choose to bake or air fry your falafel, you’ll be treated to crispy and flavorful patties that are perfect for a variety of meals.

By following our simple instructions and utilizing pantry staples like chickpeas and spices, you can create mouthwatering falafel balls that rival your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant. Whether you enjoy them stuffed in pita bread, served atop a salad, or as part of a mezze platter, homemade falafel is sure to please your taste buds.

So why wait? Give this falafel recipe a whirl and discover the joys of homemade vegetarian falafel. Create a memorable dining experience for yourself and your loved ones with this versatile and irresistible dish. Say goodbye to pre-packaged versions and hello to the authentic, homemade flavors of falafel!