Today is all about how to make falafel: An authentic falafel recipe as prepared on the streets of the Middle East! Hearty, healthy falafel patties made of ground chickpeas, garlic, and lots of herbs. Frying and baking instructions included. And be sure to check out the step photos, tips, and video tutorial!
Falafel is a ubiquitous Middle Eastern “fast food.” In Egypt, it’s the people’s daily grub. In fact, there is a falafel shop or street vendor in almost every Egyptian neighborhood. Why? Because, to Egyptians, a day that does not include a little freshly fried falafel is simply not a productive day.
WHAT IS FALAFEL? AND HOW TO MAKE IT?
Falafel are vegan patties where the main ingredient is dried chickpeas that have been soaked in water until they are easily ground.
To make falafel, the soaked chickpeas are ground in a food processor with a healthy dose of fresh herbs and warm spices like ground cumin and coriander. Then we leave the falafel mixture in the fridge for one hour (or overnight).
Once the mixture has had a chance to chill, we add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a little baking powder. Then we form the falafel patties (this recipe makes about 24 patties).
From here, we can fry or bake the falafel patties. Frying is the traditional way to cook falafel, and in my opinion, yields the best results.
CAN I BAKE FALAFEL INSTEAD?
Yes, you can bake the falafel patties in a 350 degree F heated oven for about 15-20 minutes, turning them over midway through. Use a lightly oiled sheet pan, and you might like to give the patties a quick brush of extra virgin olive oil before baking.
MAKE AHEAD AND FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS
This falafel recipe makes about 24 patties. You can prepare the patties ahead of time and freeze them for use as needed! Prepare the falafel mixture and divide into patties (up to step #6). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze. When they harden, you can transfer the falafel patties into a freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for a month or so. You can fry or bake them from frozen
TIPS FOR THE BEST FALAFEL RECIPE
Just a couple more tips:
- For best results, you need to start with dry chickpeas soaked in water, do not use canned chickpeas, or your patties will not hold up and will disintegrate in the cooking oil. Allow enough time for dry chickpeas to soak. See recipe notes.
- Once you prepare the falafel mixture, you will need to store it in the fridge for about 1 hour or so before forming into patties. Allow time for this step.
HOW TO SERVE
Falafel is best served hot. You can serve the patties plain or dip them in tahini sauce. Add few small plates like: Turkish-inspired fried eggplant, tabouli salad, Balela Salad, and Roasted Garlic Hummus.
