Falafel, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, has captivated taste buds around the world with its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Made primarily from ground chickpeas or fava beans, falafel is not only delicious but also a good source of protein and fiber. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this mouthwatering treat at home, you’re in luck! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making tasty falafel that will rival your favorite restaurant’s version.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas
- Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with water.
- Let them soak overnight. This will soften the chickpeas and make them easier to blend.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them thoroughly.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin powder, coriander powder, baking soda, salt, and black pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste. Make sure not to over-process, as the mixture should have some texture.
Step 3: Shape the Falafel
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the falafel mixture and shape them into small patties or balls. You can use your hands or a falafel scoop for this step.
Step 4: Fry the Falafel
- In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the falafel patties or balls into the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Fry the falafel for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the falafel from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the falafel hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as tahini sauce, hummus, pita bread, and fresh vegetables.
- Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade falafel!
Tips:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the falafel to ensure a crispy exterior.
- You can customize the falafel by adding other spices or herbs to suit your taste.
- Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future use.
Now that you know how to make tasty falafel at home, you can impress your family and friends with this flavorful and nutritious dish. Whether you serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main course, homemade falafel is sure to be a hit!