Falafel are one of the most beloved street foods across the Middle East β golden brown, crispy on the outside, and packed with herbs, garlic and warm spices inside. This recipe sticks to tradition: soaked dried chickpeas, no flour, no shortcuts. Serve them hot with tahini, pickles, pita or a fresh salad β and taste the real thing π§πΏ
Middle Eastern Falafel β Crispy, Herby & Vegan π§
Stefie
2-4
20 minutes
Middle Eastern
Street food
15-20 min
12β24 hours
Ingredients
- 250 g (1 ΒΌ cups) dried chickpeas (traditional method β preferred)Alternative: 400 g canned chickpeas (drained, rinsed, well dried)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley (flat-leaf)
- 1 small bunch fresh cilantro (or a mix)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- Β½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- Β½ tsp baking soda (just before frying)
- 1β2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for the outside)
- Oil for deep frying (neutral, e.g. sunflower)
Directions
- Soak the chickpeas
Rinse and soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of cold water for 12β24 hours.
They should triple in size. Drain well β do not cook them! - Blend the falafel mixture
Place the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs and spices into a food processor. - Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but still grainy β like moist breadcrumbs.
- It should hold together when squeezed, not be wet or mushy.
- Chill the mix (optional but helpful)
Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for 30β60 minutes. This makes shaping easier. - Add baking soda & shape
Just before cooking, mix in the baking soda.
Scoop out small portions and form into balls or patties (walnut-sized).
Optional: roll in sesame seeds for extra crunch. - Fry the falafel
Heat oil to 170β180β―Β°C (340β355β―Β°F) in a deep pot or fryer.
Fry falafel in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Hi! Iβm Stefie π©π»βπ³
with over 10 years of experience in Michelin-starred & simpler kitchens. I am so committed to the mission of sharing INSIDER TRICKS from the professional kitchen & exclusive recipes. Join me & elevate your kitchen journey today :)
Unlock my cheatsheets & get
Learn professional techniques for your home, SAVE money & 182 hours in the kitchen while boosting your cooking skills with ease. All that for LESS THAN A CUP OF COFFEE β β β β β
