Homemade Falafel

Homemade Falafel: A Delicious, Crispy Delight

Falafel is a beloved Mediterranean classic that’s perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This homemade version is packed with fresh herbs and spices, and I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your falafels turn out as delicious as those from your favorite eatery. Pair them with pita bread and a dollop of tahini or hummus for a satisfying meal. Here’s how to make falafel from scratch:

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Ingredients

For the falafel:

• 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (avoid canned for best results)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

For serving:

• Pita bread
• Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
• Tahini sauce or hummus

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Begin by placing the dried chickpeas in a large bowl, covering them with cold water, and soaking overnight. The next day, drain the chickpeas well.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas with chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until you achieve a coarse texture that holds together when pressed.
3. Mix and Chill: Transfer the blended mixture to a mixing bowl. Stir in baking powder and flour until everything is well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
4. Shape: Once chilled, shape the mixture into small balls or patties using your hands.
5. Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the falafel in batches, ensuring they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain: Remove the falafel from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Serve: Stuff the crispy falafel into pita bread with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Add a spoonful of tahini sauce or hummus.

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Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 350 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

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Enjoy your homemade falafel as a filling lunch or a delightful dinner. The key to perfect falafel is in the freshness of the ingredients and ensuring your oil is the right temperature for frying. This simple yet flavorful dish is sure to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

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