Delicious Homemade Falafel: Crispy, Flavorful, and Easy to Make

Oh, my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made homemade falafel. The kitchen filled with those amazing scents of garlic and spices, and I could hardly wait to dive in. I mean, who can resist crispy, golden-brown falafel? It’s like the perfect snack or meal, really. These little balls of flavor are so delightful, the kind of thing that’ll have your friends—and maybe even you—fighting over the last one. Seriously, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand what I mean.

Why You’ll Crave It

• Super crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside—yeah, you’ll want to eat these every day!
• It’s a fun way to change up your meals, whether you’re tossing them in a salad or packing them in a pita.
• Pretty easy to make—even if you have to soak chickpeas overnight, it’s so worth it!
• Totally customizable! You can tweak the spices to fit your mood—add some heat if you like it spicy!
• They’re plant-based, and hey, who doesn’t love a nutritious treat that’s also delicious?

Honestly, the first time I made this, I was so surprised at how good they turned out—my whole family adored them!

What You’ll Need

• Dried chickpeas: 1 cup, soaked overnight—don’t skip this step, it really makes a difference!
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—you know, the more garlic, the better!
• Fresh parsley: ½ cup, chopped—adds a nice freshness.
• Fresh cilantro: ½ cup, chopped—because we can never have too many herbs.
• Onion: 1 small, finely chopped—it gives a hint of sweetness.
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon—totally essential for that warm, earthy flavor.
• Coriander: 1 teaspoon—another layer of flavor that blends so well.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon—just enough to bring everything together.
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon—for a little kick.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon—helps make them nice and fluffy.
• Flour: 2-4 tablespoons, if needed—to help the mixture hold together.
• Oil: for frying—you want something that can handle the heat!

Easy How-To

Get Started with Chickpeas

First thing’s first—if you’re using dried chickpeas, soak them in a bowl of cold water overnight. Like, you really want them to be fully submerged because they’ll puff up and become nice and soft. If you’re using canned, just rinse them and move along!

Blend the Goodness

Next, drain those chickpeas and toss them in a food processor. Add in the garlic, chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Now, pulse it all together until it makes a coarse mixture… Be careful not to over-process—nobody wants a gluey mess, right?

Chill It Out

Once you’ve got that blend, scoop it into a bowl, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Yeah, I know it feels like a long wait, but this chilling part is crucial—it helps the mixture firm up so it’s easier to shape.

Shape the Falafel

After it’s chilled, it’s time to roll those balls! Grab a bit of the mixture and form it into small balls—about the size of a golf ball works perfectly. You can also do patties if that’s your style. Just keep them uniform so they cook evenly.

Time to Fry

Now, in a deep skillet or pot, heat up the oil over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to almost cover the falafel balls while frying. Carefully place the balls in, being sure not to crowd them; you want them to have space to cook evenly. They’ll need about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and oh-so-crispy!

Drain and Serve

Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot, maybe with some tahini sauce or tucked into a warm pita with fresh veggies. Trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can imagine!

Good to Know

• If you’re looking to make these a bit healthier, you can bake them in an oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes—give them a flip halfway through.
• Don’t be shy about playing with spices! Throw in some cayenne or harissa for a spicy twist.
• If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more flour to help them hold their shape while frying.

Serving Ideas

• Serve inside a pita with fresh veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce for the ultimate experience!

Top Tricks

• For an extra crispy falafel, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them in—if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb the oil and get greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze falafel?

Absolutely! Shape them into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, pop them into an airtight container for future eating. Just fry or bake from frozen!

What should I serve with falafel?

Falafel is fantastic with tahini sauce, tzatziki, fresh veggies—like cucumber and tomato—and of course, pita bread or a salad on the side.

How do I know when the falafel is cooked?

They’ll be that lovely golden brown color and crispy outside. You can also use a thermometer; they should hit about 375°F inside for that perfect texture.

Can I make falafel gluten-free?

Yes! Falafel is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your sauces and sides are as well if that’s important for you.

Why is my falafel falling apart?

If it’s crumbling, it might be too wet. Make sure to blend everything well and consider adding a bit more flour to help bind it all together.

Conclusion

So there you have it—this homemade falafel recipe gives you that crispy exterior and flavorful, tender inside that just hits the spot. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or setting up a meze spread, they’re always a hit. Trying different spices or serving styles can turn these little balls into something new every time. I can’t wait for you to try it!

More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations

Falafel Wrap

Combine falafel with fresh vegetables, tahini sauce, and wrap it in a warm pita for a satisfying meal.

Falafel Salad Bowl

Serve falafel over a bed of greens, topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing.

Spicy Falafel

Add in some extra spices like cayenne or harissa for a spicy kick.

Falafel Burger

Shape the falafel mixture into patties to create a healthy burger alternative—who wouldn’t love falafel on a bun?

Falafel with Hummus

Enjoy falafel with a side of creamy hummus for dipping—perfect for an appetizer!

Falafel Bowl with Quinoa

Mix falafel with cooked quinoa, roasted veggies, and avocado for a protein-packed meal.

Loaded Falafel Nachos

Layer crispy falafel on tortilla chips, topped with cheese, jalapeños, and drizzled with sauce for a all dashes, like this: — .