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falafel prepared 3 ways
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How To Make Falafel

Packed with bold spices and delicious flavor, this 3-way crispy Lebanese falafel recipe is one that needs to be on rotation in your home again and again. It is vegan.
Course Appetizer, Lunch
Cuisine Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Soaking Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 23 minutes
Servings 4 People
Calories 1283kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Chickpeas; Rinsed and soaked
  • 4 Cups Water For Soaking
  • Cup Onion Cut in Quarters
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • ½ Cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1 Tsp. Dried Coriander
  • 1 Tbsp. Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 Tsp. Cumin
  • 2 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 ½ Tsp. Salt; We Used Kosher Salt
  • 3 Tsp. Flour
  • 4 Cups Oil For Frying
  • Cooking Spray
  • 1 Cup Oil For Pan Frying

For The Falafel Sauce

  • 1 Cup Greek Plain Yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Paste
  • Juice From 1 Lemon
  • Cup Water 2 Tbsp. at a time. Optional

Instructions

Deep Frying Method

  • Rinse the chickpeas. Then add the 4 cups of water to soak the chickpeas for at least 8 hours. Best if soaked overnight.
    When ready to cook (after the soaking time passed), drain and rise the chickpease.
    Using a food processor, add the chickpeas to the food processor.
    steps 1-5 to make falafels
  • Add the remaining ingredients with the exception of the flour. Blend to well combined. The mixture should be crunch not purée texture; but not too crunchy either. This process takes about 2-3 minutes on high blend process.
    Add flour to the mixture and knead it for an additional 1-2 minutes. 
    Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
    Make balls from the mixture. We used an ice cream scoop (about 2” inches wide) to make sure the balls are all the same size. 
    Fry the balls for 3-4 minutes at 350° F on all sides or until golden brown.
    Place the fried Falafels onto paper towel to get excessive oil out. 
    steps 6-10 to make falafels

Pan - Fried Method

  • When using the pan to fry the falafels, instead of making balls shape the falafels into discs (start by making a ball but flatten slightly), as this is the most used method.
    frying falafels in pan
  • Add about 1 cup of oil to the pan and fry the falafel until they are golden crispy on both sides.
    falafel patties on white plate

Air Fryer Method

  • If you want to concentrate on less fat and less oil, the next best option is to air fry the falafels.
    During the air fryer process, shape the falafel into discs as it is easier to air fry.
    falafel balls with yogurt
  • Spray with cooking oil. Air fry for 15 minutes, turning over and spraying a couple times at 325°F.
    falafel balls in wrap with vegetables.

Falafel Sauce

  • Whisk all of the ingredients for 2-3 minutes. Serve Falafel with the sauce. 
    yogurt sauce for falafel

Video

Notes

Either dried or canned chickpeas can be used for this recipe, though dried chickpeas will have to be soaked first for a minimum of 8 hours but best overnight or 18 hours before you can get cooking.
**** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
 
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Nutrition

Serving: 10People | Calories: 1283kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 84g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 226mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 2mg