Best 3 Authentic Falafels Recipes
Falafel, a traditional Middle Eastern dish, is a delicious, protein-packed treat made from chickpeas or fava beans. These deep-fried balls are typically served in pita bread with hummus, tahini, and various salads. Falafel is a popular street food and a staple in many vegetarian and vegan diets.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to making authentic falafel at home, including two variations: classic falafel made with chickpeas and a unique fava bean falafel. Both recipes are detailed and easy to follow, ensuring a perfect outcome. Additionally, there are three flavorful sauces to complement your falafel: a creamy tahini sauce, a spicy tomato sauce, and a refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce.
With clear instructions and helpful tips, this article empowers you to create delicious, crispy falafel that rivals those found in the best Middle Eastern restaurants. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to expand your culinary skills, this guide will lead you to falafel success. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East.
FALAFEL RECIPE
One of the incredible street foods of the Middle Eastern world, this falafel recipe is the authentic one to try.
Provided by Chef Tariq
Categories Mezze
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Soak chickpeas overnight in a generous amount of water.
- Drain chickpeas and add to a food processor.
- Add all other ingredients to the chickpeas.
- Process until well mixed and mixture resembles coarse wet sand.
- Use a falafel scooper or shape into balls using your hands.
- Deep fry until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve while hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 47 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 109 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g, ServingSize 1 serving
HOW TO MAKE FALAFEL
Ready to learn how to make authentic falafel from scratch? My family's secret recipe for the Best Authentic Falafel, made with chickpeas, fresh herb, and spices is all you need! Be sure to check out the complete step-by-step tutorial, important tips for baking or frying falafel. And watch the video just above. What's your favorite way to enjoy falafel? I love them in warm pita sandwiches with tahini sauce or hummus, along with my lazy Mediterranean tomato and cucumber salad. But you can enjoy it alongside other plates or as part of a mezze spread (lots of ideas below!)
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Entree
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- (One day in advance) Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl filled with water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
- Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined forming a the falafel mixture.
- Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or (up to one whole night) until ready to cook.
- Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
- Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
- Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan, fry them in batches if necessary.
- Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato and cucumbers. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 93 calories, Sugar 0.1 g, Sodium 131.1 mg, Fat 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 3.9 g, Cholesterol 0 mg
AUTHENTIC FALAFELS
These falafels are the closest thing to NYC street vendor falafels! Made the traditional way with dried soaked chickpeas! Great on a pita with lettuce, cucumber and yogurt. Asafoetida is usually found in Middle Eastern or Indian food stores. If you prefer, you can use 2 to 3 garlic cloves and 1 small chopped onion instead. This is a great base recipe, customize it to your own tastes.
Provided by Kathleen Woods Rubino
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Beans and Peas
Time 9h40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place dried chickpeas in a bowl. Fill with water to cover; stir in baking soda. Soak at least 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Drain.
- Place soaked and drained chickpeas in a blender or food processor; blend to a paste.
- Pour water into chickpea paste and blend until smooth. Scrape down sides of blender with spatula if needed.
- Place sesame seeds, cumin, salt, baking powder, coriander, black pepper, red chili powder, sugar, turmeric, and asafoetida powder in blender with chickpea paste; blend until well mixed. Transfer chickpea mixture to a bowl.
- Chill chickpea mixture in refrigerator to allow flavors to blend, at least 1 hour and up to two days.
- Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch in a deep skillet over medium heat and heat to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C).
- Scoop up chickpea mixture by heaping tablespoons and form into balls the size of ping pong balls.
- Fry balls in hot oil until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.7 calories, Carbohydrate 20.8 g, Fat 17.7 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 6.7 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 582.4 mg, Sugar 3.7 g
Tips:
- Soaking the chickpeas:Soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will help them cook more evenly and prevent them from becoming too hard.
- Using fresh herbs:Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint add a lot of flavor to falafel. If you can, use fresh herbs instead of dried.
- Seasoning the falafel:Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Cumin, coriander, and garlic powder are all classic falafel seasonings, but you can also add other spices like paprika, chili powder, or oregano.
- Frying the falafel:Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying the falafel. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming too greasy.
- Serving the falafel:Falafel can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tahini sauce, hummus, or yogurt sauce. They can also be served on a pita bread with vegetables and fries.
Conclusion:
Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is also a relatively healthy option. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make delicious falafel at home. So next time you're looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, try making falafel!
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