If you are looking for a delicious vegetarian dish to add to your dinner table, look no further than the classic Middle Eastern favorite, falafel! This deep-fried patty of chickpeas, herbs, and spices is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and more. Here is a falafel recipe that will have your guests begging for seconds!
Contents
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Can of chickpeas |
| 1 | Large onion |
| 2 | Garlic cloves |
| 1/2 | Cup of fresh parsley |
| 1/4 | Cup of fresh cilantro |
| 1 | Teaspoon of cumin |
| 1/2 | Teaspoon of coriander |
| 1/2 | Teaspoon of baking soda |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| 1 | Cup of all-purpose flour |
| Vegetable oil, for deep-frying |
Instructions
First, drain the chickpeas and rinse them under cold water. Place them in a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, and salt and pepper to taste. Process until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky. Don’t over process, as you don’t want a paste.
Next, add the flour to the mixture and process until combined. Scoop out the mixture with a spoon and form into small patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the patties keep their shape during the cooking process.
Once the patties are chilled, heat the oil in a large saucepan or deep-fryer over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the patties and fry for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly on both sides. When the patties are cooked through, remove them from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
Serve the falafel hot, with your favorite accompaniments. Hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables are all great options. You can also stuff the patties into pita bread and top with salad and tahini sauce for a delicious street-food style wrap.
Falafel Tips and Tricks
To give the falafel a more flavorful kick, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the food processor. This will give the falafel a smokier taste that goes great with the herbs and spices. You can also add a tablespoon of tahini paste for a creamier texture.
For a healthier option, you can bake the falafel instead of deep-frying. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and lightly grease a baking sheet. Place the patties on the sheet and brush with a little oil. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot with your favorite accompaniments.
If you are feeling adventurous, try mixing in some other ingredients like cooked quinoa, cooked brown rice, or cooked sweet potatoes. These additions will add extra nutrition and flavor to your falafel.
Conclusion
Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike! With a few simple ingredients and some pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of flavorful falafel patties in no time. So grab your apron and get cooking – it’s time to spice up your meals with a Middle Eastern favorite! As the old song goes, “Falafel! Falafel! Everybody loves Falafel!”
