How to make crispy authentic falafel?

Did you try making crispy authentic falafel at home? It is one of the quick easy recipes to make, serve and enjoy!

If you’ve been to the streets of Lebanon or Egypt, then chances are high that you’ve come to try the taste of an authentic grab-and-go falafel sandwich. And if you are one of these countries’ citizens or residents, then you are more likely to indulge in a sandwich of falafel every fortnight. But did you try making crispy authentic falafel at home?

I learned to make falafel when I was a little girl as I used to join my mom in the kitchen while she prepares this delicious falafel recipe. And trust me, falafel is one of the quick easy recipes to make. Making this recipe at home is much easier than you think.

So, what is falafel?

Falafel is a popular vegan fast food mainly in Lebanon and Egypt and broadly across the Middle East. Ranked among the famous healthy food recipes, it is authentically made with chickpeas, fava beans, fresh herbs, and spices. Once the falafel paste is ready and refrigerated, it is turned into small patties to fry, pan-fry, or bake.

These crispy Falafel are often served in a pita bread sandwich form with a generous drizzle of tahini, veggies such as parsley and tomatoes and pickles, mainly turnip and cucumber pickles.

What are the ingredients of a falafel?

• Dried chickpeas: please read carefully. Dried chickpeas mean soaked and dried and uncooked. This ultimately means that you cannot use canned chickpeas.
• Soaked fava beans: fava beans must be added to this recipe if you want to end up with authentic falafel. Soak them overnight, then peel the skin the second day. 
• Onion and garlic: Do not skip these two ingredients. They are flavor boosters and essential ingredients.
• Parsley: I am referring here to fresh parsley in particular. If you want to flavor more of your falafel, you can add as well some mint leaves to the paste.
• Coriander: I am not a fan of fresh coriander in this recipe. The reason is that coriander is strong in flavor and may supersede other flavors in the paste. Hence, I prefer adding dried coriander instead.
• Dried spices: this includes cumin, all spices, summak, black pepper, and paprika.
• Baking soda: Do not skip this ingredient if you want to end up with tender falafel.

How do you make falafel mix?

To make the falafel mix, Soak the fava beans and chickpeas the night before.

Process them the second day then add all ingredients and pulse to have a coarse texture.

Store them in the fridge for 30 minutes before making the patties.

Heat vegetable oil and fry the patties until crispy brown.

How to serve Falafel?

Here are some favorite ways to serve falafel

• Wrap it with pita bread, add vegetables and tahini sauce.
• As an appetizer with tahini sauce or hummus next to some crudités.
• As a topping to your vegan salad.
• Along with some fried vegetables such as cauliflower, eggplant, and marrow.

Here are some FAQs about making this authentic falafel recipe

Why you should not use canned chickpeas for falafel?

Two reasons answer this question. First, dried chickpeas are stronger in flavor. Second, canned or cooked chickpeas will be runny when processed and you will lose the desired texture.

Why makes your falafel fall apart when you fry it?

The dough will fall apart if it is wet. This is the reason why I am stressing about using dried ingredients. I am advising as well to add flour to make the paste stick together.

Can you bake falafel?

Yes, Falafel can be baked, pan-fried, or fried. Although frying falafel Is the best method to end up with airy, light, and lumpy falafel, baking falafel is still a good option for you. Heat the oven at 180°C and place the falafel over a baking sheet. Bake them for 20 minutes and flip them once midway.

Can you make the falafel mixture ahead of time?

Yes, sure. You can make the mixture in advance and keep it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Once you decide to cook them, transfer them to the fridge and thaw them slowly there.

How long does falafel keep once they’re cooked?

Although eating Falafel right away is the best option to have them crispy on the inside and fluffy on the outside, you can still store the falafel in the fridge and have them anytime.

Some of the best Lebanese quick easy recipes. Check these out:

• Juicy spinach fatayer
• Fluffy Lebanese manakish
• Homemade Pita bread
• Easy Lebanese pickled cucumbers

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