A typical Middle Eastern dish with easy-to-find ingredients.
Falafel is one of the most popular recipes in the Middle East, ideal for those looking for a vegan option that is nutritious and full of flavor. Although it was not so common in Colombia a few years ago, nowadays it is easy to find. Although on the coast, in cities like Barranquilla, where Arab migration left a strong influence on the cuisine, falafel has always been more common.
Now that I live in Germany, I have become accustomed to seeing falafel on almost every corner, as there is a large Turkish community here and numerous restaurants that offer it. The best thing is that making falafel at home is very simple and you can customize the ingredients to your liking.
In this recipe, I will show you how to make crispy falafel with chickpeas, spices and an extra touch of cilantro, which gives it a delicious flavor. I will also tell you how to adapt it to make it gluten-free or to prepare it in the oven, fried or in an airfryer.
Ingredients for homemade falafel:
500 g dried chickpeas (soaked for 24 hours)
½ white onion, finely chopped
½ cup fresh parsley
½ cup (or more) fresh coriander
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
½ cup gluten-free spelt, chickpea or oat flour
1 tablespoon of baking soda (optional)
1 teaspoon of salt
Pinch of black pepper
How to make falafel step by step:
Prepare the mixture:
In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, onion, parsley, coriander, garlic and spices.
Process until you obtain a mixture with a grainy texture (it should not be completely pureed).
Form the balls:
With a spoon, take portions of the mixture and form balls with slightly damp hands.
You can also shape them into mini burgers if you prefer.
Cook the falafel (choose your preferred method):
In an air fryer: Cook at 180°C for 10-12 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Deep fried: Heat oil in a frying pan and fry until golden brown on the outside.
In the oven: Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Frying pan: You can make them in the shape of mini hamburgers and cover them so they cook well, then brown until they are ready.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve with pita bread, homemade hummus, tahini, fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the best homemade falafel
✔️ Use dried chickpeas and soak them for 24 hours. Do not use canned chickpeas, as the texture will not be the same.
✔️ If the mixture is too wet, add a little more chickpea flour or oatmeal.
✔️ You can make a large batch and freeze the falafel before cooking them so they are always ready.
Are you up for trying this recipe?
If you make this homemade falafel, let me know how it turned out in the comments or tag me on Instagram @ColombianFoodie. I love seeing your creations!
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