Falafel, a Middle Eastern delicacy that has become a global street food sensation, is a delightful combination of crispy exteriors and fluffy, flavorful interiors made from chickpeas or fava beans. These deep-fried balls are traditionally served with tahini sauce, but in this article, we present a refreshing alternative: a tangy yogurt-dill sauce that perfectly complements the falafel's savory profile. Accompanying the core falafel recipe are several variations that cater to different preferences and dietary choices, including baked falafel for a healthier option, green falafel made with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor, and even a sweet potato falafel that offers a unique twist on the classic dish. Whether you're a falafel aficionado or new to this culinary gem, this comprehensive guide provides all the knowledge and recipes you need to create delicious falafel that will impress your taste buds.
Let's cook with our recipes!
EASY BAKED FALAFEL WITH CUCUMBER-YOGURT SAUCE
Try this Middle Eastern sandwich of chickpea and spice 'meatballs,' which are actually falafel that are oven-fried to keep their calorie count down. Serve with grilled pita wedges or pita pockets, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cucumber slices.
Provided by Wyome
Categories Main Dish Recipes Sandwich Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Coat a 9x13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray and 1 tablespoon olive oil and place inside the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). C
- Combine chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes, and baking powder in a food processor. Pulse until minced but not yet pasty. Transfer to a bowl and stir in flour and egg until fully incorporated.
- Remove baking pan from the oven. Drop golfball-sized portions of chickpea mixture onto the hot pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes. Brush falafel with remaining olive oil and flip over. Continue baking until golden on both sides, 15 to 20 minutes more.
- Meanwhile, combine yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and cayenne pepper. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve falafel with yogurt sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 249.8 calories, Carbohydrate 29.4 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 8.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 586.6 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
FALAFELS WITH YOGURT-DILL SAUCE
These falafels are packed with flavor! Your family will love them! Wrap in tortilla and top with yogurt sauce. Add other toppings such as tomatoes, lettuce and shredded cheddar cheese.
Provided by sonia
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Beans and Peas
Time 45m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Combine chickpeas, 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs, red potato, red onion, garlic, egg, 1 tablespoon olive oil, cilantro, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Form mixture into 2-inch patties. Place 1/4 cup panko crumbs in a shallow bowl. Gently press patties into the crumbs to coat.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry patties in the hot oil until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Set patties aside.
- Stir yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic salt, and white pepper together in a bowl. Serve sauce drizzled over falafels.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 329 calories, Carbohydrate 48.5 g, Cholesterol 50.2 mg, Fat 13 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 12.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 779.7 mg, Sugar 5.5 g
FALAFEL IN PITA WITH YOGURT SAUCE
Steps:
- In medium skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons oil and sweat onion and peppers 2 to 3 minutes then garlic and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a food processor, pulse together chick peas, red chili flakes, ground cumin, the egg, salt and black pepper to form a coarse consistency. Then add flour, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until mixture starts pulling from the sides of the food processor.
- Remove mixture to a large bowl and mix in the onion mixture. Chill falafel until ready to cook.
- Roll falafel dough into 1-inch rounds. Then form rounds into an oblong quenelle shape, like a football.
- In a thick-bottomed skillet heat 1/2 inch of canola oil over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Cook falafel balls a few at a time, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Be sure to turn them so they do not burn or stick to the bottom of the pan. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while still hot.
- Open the pita bread to make pockets. Place 3 to 4 falafels inside. Stuff with lettuce tomato and cucumbers and drizzle sauce generously on the inside. Serve immediately.
- Mix the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, cilantro, parsley and cumin together in a small bowl. Add salt to taste. Chill until ready to use.
ROUND 2 RECIPE - BAKED FALAFEL WITH YOGURT SAUCE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a baking sheet in to the oven.
- Combine all falafel ingredients, including the Chickpea Salad, in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse mixture until coarsely ground.
- Using your hands, form the falafel mixture into balls about the size of walnuts and set aside. If the falafel mixture sticks to your hands dip them in cold water in between rolling each ball.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the falafel onto the sheet pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking, to brown on both sides.
- Place on a serving platter and serve with yogurt sauce on the side.
- Add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and combine well.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine.
FALAFEL YOGURT SAUCE
Make and share this Falafel Yogurt Sauce recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Um_Layla
Categories Sauces
Time 6m
Yield 5-7 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Blend all ingredients together!
- Enjoy :).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 64.2, Fat 3.2, SaturatedFat 2.1, Cholesterol 12.7, Sodium 278.4, Carbohydrate 5.6, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 4.9, Protein 3.6
Tips:
- Soak the chickpeas overnight: This will help them soften and cook more evenly.
- Use a food processor to grind the chickpeas: This will give you a smoother, more consistent falafel mixture.
- Add plenty of herbs and spices to the falafel mixture: This will give them a flavorful and authentic taste.
- Form the falafel into small balls and fry them in hot oil: This will help them cook evenly and get a crispy outer layer.
- Serve the falafel with your favorite dipping sauce: Yogurt-dill sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try hummus, tahini, or tzatziki.
Conclusion:
Falafel is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or snack. It's a great way to add more plant-based protein to your diet, and it's also a good source of fiber and vitamins. With this recipe, you can make perfect falafel at home that's just as good as anything you'd find in a restaurant. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, give falafel a try!
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