A popular Middle Eastern "fast food" made of a deep-fried ball or patty from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both.
Prep Time
8+ hours (soaking)
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
8 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Skills Required
Deep Frying
Ingredients & Nutrition
350 kcal
Calories
12g
Protein
18g
Fat
35g
Carbs
10g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
600mg
Sodium
- 1 cup, soaked overnight Dried Chickpeas
- 1/2, roughly chopped Onion
- 1 cup, packed Fresh Parsley
- 1 cup, packed Fresh Cilantro
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- for frying Vegetable Oil
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Large Pot
Let AI Suggest Variations
- Bake the falafel for a healthier option.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serve on top of a salad instead of in a pita.
- Some recipes use fava beans in addition to or instead of chickpeas.
Instructions:
1. Drain the soaked chickpeas well. Do NOT use canned chickpeas.
2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely minced but not a paste.
3. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the cumin, coriander, salt, and baking soda.
4. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
5. Form the mixture into small balls or patties.
6. Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry the falafel in batches for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve hot in pita bread with tahini sauce, hummus, and salad.