Why You’ll Love This Homemade Falafel Recipe
You’re going to love this homemade falafel recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation.
I can’t get enough of these crispy, golden bites that burst with fresh herbs and spices. Just toss everything in a food processor, and you’re halfway there!
The aroma that fills your kitchen while they fry is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering.
Serve them with your favorite dips or wraps, and you’ll impress everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home.
Enjoy every bite!
Ingredients of Homemade Falafel
When it comes to making homemade falafel, the ingredients are a delightful mix of simple, fresh flavors that come together to create something truly special. You don’t need to be a master chef to pull this off, and honestly, it’s a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Plus, the best part? Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this tasty dish.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Now, let’s chat a bit about these ingredients. The garbanzo beans, or chickpeas, are the star of the show—they’re packed with protein and fiber, making this dish satisfying and nutritious.
Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch, while the onion and garlic bring depth and flavor that you just can’t replicate with dried spices. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swap out the parsley for cilantro for a different twist.
And don’t forget about the spices! Cumin and coriander are essential for that classic falafel taste. Trust me, you want to use fresh spices here; they make a world of difference.
How to Make Homemade Falafel
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and plunge into making some homemade falafel. Trust me, it’s way easier than it sounds, and the end result? Mouthwatering little bites of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
First things first, grab your food processor and toss in the star ingredient: 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained. Next, add in 1 cup of fresh parsley, 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, and the magic spices—1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of coriander. Don’t forget the zest of it all: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 large egg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Finally, sprinkle in 1/3 cup of plain breadcrumbs to help bind everything together. Now, hit that pulse button and blend everything until it forms a nice, chunky paste. You want it to be cohesive without turning into mush—think of it as a happy little falafel family coming together.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time for the fun part: frying! Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. While that’s warming up, take a rounded tablespoon of your falafel mix and drop it straight into the hot oil. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped; they’ll cook up beautifully regardless.
Gently flatten them with the back of a spatula and let them sizzle away. Keep an eye on them, flipping once they’re golden brown on one side—about 3-4 minutes should do the trick. And just like that, you’ll have yourself a batch of homemade falafel that’s not just tasty but also makes you feel like a culinary rockstar.
Enjoy them with some tahini sauce or in a warm pita, and remember, if they don’t turn out perfect on the first try, well, at least you’ll have some good stories to tell.
Homemade Falafel Substitutions & Variations
While sticking to the classic falafel recipe is a great starting point, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate your dish to new heights.
For a twist, try using black beans or lentils instead of garbanzo beans. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add a revitalizing flavor.
If you’re avoiding eggs, a flaxseed or chia seed mixture works as a binder. You can also experiment with spices—add paprika for a smoky kick or cayenne for heat.
And when it comes to breadcrumbs, gluten-free options like almond flour are fantastic.
Get creative and make it your own!
What to Serve with Homemade Falafel
Serving homemade falafel can turn a simple meal into an extraordinary experience.
I love pairing my falafel with a fresh, tangy tahini sauce or tzatziki for that perfect flavor boost. A warm pita bread or a fluffy wrap makes it even better, creating a delicious sandwich.
You can’t go wrong with a side of tabbouleh or a simple cucumber and tomato salad; they add a revitalizing crunch.
For a heartier option, I often serve it alongside roasted vegetables or hummus. Each of these sides complements the falafel beautifully, making every bite a delightful treat.
Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your homemade falafel turns out perfectly every time, I recommend soaking the garbanzo beans overnight instead of using canned ones, as this enhances the texture and flavor.
If you want a gluten-free option, simply swap the breadcrumbs for ground oats. Don’t skip the herbs; fresh parsley makes a huge difference in taste.
For extra crunch, try adding a tablespoon of baking powder to the mixture. When frying, keep the oil at the right temperature; too hot can burn them, while too cool can make them greasy.
Finally, serve them fresh for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!