Falafel, a delectable Middle Eastern dish, is a combination of chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices, deep-fried to create crispy, golden-brown balls. Often served as a street food or appetizer, falafel can be enjoyed on its own or tucked into a pita pocket, alongside fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, and a drizzle of hot sauce. While the traditional recipe utilizes chickpeas, variations exist that incorporate fava beans, resulting in a slightly denser and nuttier flavor. This article presents three distinct falafel recipes, each offering a unique twist. The first recipe is a classic preparation using chickpeas and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and parsley. The second recipe introduces fava beans, along with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, creating a vibrant and flavorful variation. For those seeking a vegan option, the third recipe substitutes chickpeas for lentils, resulting in a wholesome and protein-rich dish. Accompanying each falafel recipe are three enticing sauces: a classic tahini sauce, a vibrant green tahini sauce infused with herbs, and a spicy tomato sauce. These sauces add layers of flavor and texture, complementing the crispy falafel perfectly.
Let's cook with our recipes!
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
There's not one "right" way to make a falafel. So if you like less onion, put in less onion. If you like more herbs, put in more herbs. More spice, more spice. It's really up to you.
Provided by Amanda Cohen
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 28
Steps:
- Make the spice mix: In a skillet over low heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Grind the toasted seeds in a spice grinder. Add the dried parsley, granulated garlic, chili powder, granulated onion, za'atar, sumac, allspice, chili flakes, a few turns of black pepper and continue grinding to combine. Set aside. Spice mix will keep for several weeks in an airtight jar.
- For the falafel: In a food processor, add the chickpeas, chopped onion and garlic, parsley, cilantro, baking soda, spice mix and salt. Pulse until the mixture's combined and the chickpeas are pea-size, stopping and stirring halfway through. Tightly pack the falafel mixture into balls the size of an extra large marble and set aside.
- Fry the falafel: Pour oil half full into a deep pan and set over medium heat. Secure a deep-fry thermometer to the pan's side and heat oil to 375 degrees F. Using a spider strainer, gently drop the falafel balls, one at a time, into the hot oil making sure the pot isn't overcrowded with falafel. Cook until most of the bubbles have disappeared and the falafel is golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Remove to a wire rack fitted over a baking sheet to cool and repeat the process until all of the falafel balls are cooked.
- Make the tahini dressing and assemble the dish: In a blender add the garlic, water, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until combined. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and lemon juice if necessary and blend again. Set aside. Tahini sauce can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. To serve, place falafel balls on a platter, drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge.
FALAFEL WITH TABBOULEH AND TAHINI SAUCE
This recipe plays up Middle Eastern flavors and includes lots of fresh green herbs in the tabbouleh and falafel. Adding pomegranate molasses to the tahini lightens up the fat content and the yogurt also gives the sesame paste the lighter acidic kick it needs, helping the lemon juice.
Provided by Anne Burrell
Categories main-dish
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings (12 falafel)
Number Of Ingredients 33
Steps:
- For the falafel: To the bowl of a food processor, add the chickpeas, cilantro, parsley, chickpea flour, ground cumin, salt, baking soda, onions and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is a coarse paste. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and then pulse again to make sure the ingredients are fully combined. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside to rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the sesame seeds, baking powder and cayenne. Mix to combine.
- Scoop the mixture using a 3-ounce cookie scoop and place onto a sheet tray. Roll each falafel into a ball and then lightly squish into patties. Dust each patty with chickpea flour.
- Fill a large high-sided pan with 1 inch of canola oil and add the olive oil. Turn on the heat to low and gently heat the oil until it shimmers. Test the oil with a pinch of flour; if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Working in batches, fry the falafel, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, season immediately with kosher salt, then transfer to a sheet tray lined with a rack. Repeat with remaining falafel patties.
- For the tabbouleh: Add the bulgur and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil into a large, heat-resistant bowl. Mix with a spoon to coat the bulgur with the oil. Cover the bulgur with the boiling water, cover with plastic wrap and set aside to steam for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the soaked bulgur through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the water. Spread the bulgur onto a quarter sheet tray to cool.
- Add the garlic paste, lemon zest, lemon juice and remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil into a large bowl and whisk to combine. Put the cooled bulgur, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, scallions, parsley and mint into another large bowl. Fold the dressing into the bulgur mixture and season with kosher salt to taste.
- For the tahini sauce: Add the tahini, yogurt, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses and kosher salt to taste into a bowl. Whisk to combine. If the mixture is too thick, you can thin it out with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.
- To serve, plate the romaine lettuce and top with the falafel. Serve alongside the toasted pita bread, tabbouleh and top with a drizzle of tahini sauce.
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
Serve this traditional falafel from Michael's Genuine Food & Drink chef Michael Schwartz tucked inside pita bread for a satisfying sandwich or on its own as a protein-packed appetizer.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Yield Makes about 2 dozen falafels
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Place chickpeas in a large bowl and add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Place bowl in refrigerator and let soak until the chickpeas swell to double their size, at least 12 hours and up to 24. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Transfer rinsed chickpeas to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well ground (about the consistency of cornmeal). Add onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper; process until mixture is pureed, scraping down sides as necessary. Falafel mixture can be made 3 to 4 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.
- Fill a countertop electric fryer or a deep pot 3 inches high with oil. Heat until it reaches 350 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Using your hands, form falafel mixture into a 1 3/4-inch balls, pressing tightly so that falafel does not fall apart while frying.
- Using a slotted spoon and working in batches, carefully add falafel to hot oil, gently nudging so they do not stick to the bottom. Fry, turning as needed, until crusty and dark brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately with tahini and pickled vegetables.
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
Provided by Emeril Lagasse
Categories appetizer
Time 1h25m
Yield about 2 1/2 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Drain and rinse both the fava beans as well as the chickpeas. Combine both beans in the bowl of a food processor, along with the onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, baking soda, salt, ground coriander, and cayenne, and pulse, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary, until a coarse paste is formed. Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water, if needed to make the paste hold together - you will have to remove the lid of the processor and check this by pressing some of the mixture together between your fingers. Add a bit more water, if necessary. Transfer to a bowl and set aside to rest for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat at least 3-inches of oil in a saucepan or a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
- Scoop the fava-chick pea mixture into 1 1/2 to 2-tablespoon increments and, using your hands, shape into balls or patties about 1 1/2 to 2-inches in diameter. Gently lower the falafel balls into the hot oil (these are fragile - do not drop them or they will fall apart.) Fry the falafel in batches until crisp and brown, turning to promote even browning, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer to paper-lined plates to drain briefly before serving with the Tahini Sauce and pita bread, if using.
- Make the sauce by combining the tahini paste, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl and stirring to combine. Add the water a little at a time as needed to form a smooth, creamy sauce approximately the thickness of heavy cream. (Note that the sauce might appear to separate for a bit before enough water has been added; just keep adding more water bit by bit and stirring until the sauce comes together.) Season to taste with salt and more lemon juice, if necessary. Transfer to a nonreactive container and refrigerate until ready to serve the falafel.
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI AND CILANTRO SAUCES
This is a great vegetarian dish for lunch or dinner!! Crisp on the outside, tender in the middle. Add more pepper flakes to the cilantro sauce is you like more bite.
Provided by Diana Adcock
Categories Sauces
Time 41m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 32
Steps:
- In a food processor or blender mix together the first 11 ingredients until JUST smooth-a few small pieces is fine.
- Stir in the baking powder and flour mixing well.
- Cover and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- (this is included in prep time).
- In the meantime in a food processor or blender combine the tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, salt and cayenne-pulse to smooth and pour into a squirt bottle if you have one.
- Set aside.
- In a food processor or blender combine the cilantro, garlic, onions, red pepper flakes, peanut oil, vegetable oil, salt, pepper and sugar.
- Puree to smooth and pour into a squirt bottle if you have another one.
- Set aside.
- Shred lettuce, dice tomatoes and wrap pitas in a JUST damp towel and place in the middle of a 250°F oven.
- Heat oil over medium high heat in a heavy skillet-you would only need around 2 inches of oil for this-or in a deep, heavy saucepan.
- Take about 2 T chickpea mixture and form into a ball, then press to form a small patty.
- Repeat until you have 3 or 4 and carefully place in hot oil with a slotted spoon.
- Fry 2 minutes, flip and fry for 2 minutes more.
- You want the falafel nice and golden brown.
- Repeat with remaining falafels.
- Drain on a rack with paper towels or newspaper underneath.
- Slice a warm pita in half, open and fill with lettuce and tomato, then 3 flalafels.
- Squirt in some tahini sauce and cilantro sauce.
- Serve.
CLASSIC FALAFEL AND TAHINI SAUCE RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: dried chickpea, water, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, fresh mint, garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, ground coriander, baking soda, sesame seed, salt, pepper, oil, sesame seed, sesame oil, olive oil, lemon juice
Provided by Gwenaelle Le Cochennec
Categories Appetizers
Yield 16 falafels
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Soak the chickpeas in the water for at least one night, ensuring that the chickpeas are fully submerged.
- Drain the chickpeas in a colander. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and add the chickpeas. Cover with more paper towels and let dry for at least 2 hours.
- Add the dried chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, coriander, mint, 5 cloves of garlic, onion, paprika, 2 teaspoons of cumin, ground coriander, baking soda, toasted sesame seeds, salt, and pepper, in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Use your hands to form falafel the size of a ping pong ball.
- Heat oil to 320°F (160°C) in a large pot.
- Add the falafel in batches, and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- To make tahini sauce, heat the sesame seeds in a frying pan over medium heat until the seeds brown slightly.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes and pour into a small blender or coffee grinder.
- Add the sesame oil and half of the olive oil and blend. Add the rest of the olive oil and blend again until you get a smooth mixture.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of cumin, 2 garlic cloves and lemon juice and blend.
- Serve the tahini sauce with falafel.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 156 calories, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 6 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 6 grams, Sugar 3 grams
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
Falafel, usually tucked into pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce, is one of the best-known Middle Eastern street foods. At home, falafels make a rustic hot hors d'oeuvre, with a bowl of creamy tahini sauce for dipping. These fry up just right: crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The baking powder gives the falafels a little lift so they don't sit in your stomach like belly bombs! All the fresh herbs make for a vibrant flavor and super green color. The chickpeas need to soak for a bit, so plan accordingly. The falafels are amazing with Quick Pickled Vegetables (page 235).
Yield makes about 2 dozen falafels
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Put the chickpeas in a large bowl and add cool water to cover by 3 inches. Soak the beans in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours or up to 24; the chickpeas will swell to double their original size. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Put the soaked chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until well ground (about the consistency of cornmeal). Add the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper; process until the mixture is completely pureed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. If you have a small processor, you will have to do this in batches, but be sure to combine the batches in a mixing bowl at the end so all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You can make the falafel mixture 3 or 4 days in advance; store it covered in the refrigerator.
- Heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F in a countertop electric fryer or deep pot. If you don't have a deep-fry thermometer, a good way to test if the oil is hot enough is to stick the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick in it. If bubbles circle around the end, then you're good to go.
- Form the falafel mixture into golf-size balls with your hands. Be sure to press the mixture tightly; if the balls are too loose they'll fall apart. Carefully slip a few of the falafels at a time into the hot oil with a slotted spoon, gently nudging them so they don't stick to the bottom. Fry until the falafels are a crusty dark brown on all sides, turning as needed so there are no hot spots, about 5 minutes per batch. Remove the falafels with a slotted spoon and drain on a platter lined with paper towels.
- To serve, arrange the falafels on a platter with a bowl of tahini sauce on the side for dipping.
- Combine the tahini, soy, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and 1/2 cup water in a blender. Process on high speed to make a smooth and creamy sauce. If the tahini sauce gets too thick as it sits, mix in a little bit of water or lemon juice to thin it out.
FALAFEL WITH TAHINI SAUCE
Adapted from The Splendid Table's online newsletter. Light and fluffy, my husband said if he could eat this at every meal he'd be happy as a vegetarian. I make the sauce first, then the falafel. Serve on a plate with the sauce as part of a Middle Eastern meal, or stuff into a pita with vegetables and dress with sauce. We like this with Recipe#12165.
Provided by zeldaz51
Categories Beans
Time 45m
Yield 16 pieces, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Falafel: Grind the first four spices in a spice grinder or moprtar and pestle. Place the ground spices in the workbowl of a food processor along with the chickpeas, onion, and garlic. Pulse several times to mince the contents.
- Add the sesame seeds, matzo meal, parsley, and baking powder and pulse until evenly mixed, being careful not to puree the mixture.
- Beat the egg in a large bowl, add the chickpea mixture, salt, and pepper and mix well. Chill at least 15 minutes.
- Form 16 balls of the chilled chickpea mixture and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flattening each ball slightly.
- Heat the oil to 360 degrees in a large heavy pot and fry the falafel until golden, turning at least once. This should take 2 or 3 minutes. Drain well before serving, hot, with the tahini sauce and lemon wedges.
- Tahini Sauce ( makes about 1/2 cup):Combine all ingredients except water in the workbowl of a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add the water slowly with the motor running until it forms a creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 2246.8, Fat 230.5, SaturatedFat 30.1, Cholesterol 46.5, Sodium 1944.3, Carbohydrate 42.2, Fiber 8.3, Sugar 1, Protein 12.5
Tips:
- Use dried chickpeas for the best falafel. Soaking and cooking the chickpeas yourself will give you a better texture and flavor than using canned chickpeas.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher. However, a food processor will give you a smoother, more consistent texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the falafel mixture. Overmixing will make the falafel tough.
- Form the falafel into balls about the size of a golf ball. If the falafel are too small, they will be dry and crumbly. If they are too large, they will take too long to cook.
- Fry the falafel in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. This will help to keep them moist and prevent them from falling apart.
- Serve the falafel hot with tahini sauce, hummus, and pita bread.
Conclusion:
Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make falafel at home. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious meal, give falafel a try!
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