Hello there, fellow foodie! Are you looking for a new recipe to try out? Well, if you’re on the hunt for something delicious, easy to make, and vegetarian-friendly, then you’re in luck. Today, we’re diving into all things falafel – a Middle Eastern dish that’s packed full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Mediterranean cuisine or simply looking for a plant-based meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings, you won’t regret giving falafel a try. But, with countless variations out there, it can be tough to know where to start when it comes to making your own falafel at home. That’s where this ultimate guide comes in – we’ll be covering everything you need to know to whip up the perfect falafel recipe, from the basics of what falafel actually is to tips for creating your very own unique spin on this classic dish.
The Perfect Falafel Recipe
What Are Falafels?
Falafels are a popular Middle Eastern street food that has made its way to the rest of the world. They are small, crumbly balls made from soaked and ground chickpeas, along with spices, herbs, and sometimes other legumes like fava beans. They are famous for being vegan and gluten-free, making them a perfect option for almost everyone.
Falafels have been an essential part of Middle Eastern cuisine for ages. They are said to have originated from Egypt, where they were consumed as a source of protein by Coptic Christians during Lent. Over the years, falafels made their way to Israel and other parts of the world. Today, they are loved and relished by people from all backgrounds and cultures.
Ingredients Needed for Falafel Recipe
Making the perfect falafels requires a few specific ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 pound dried chickpeas (not cooked)
– 1 large onion, roughly chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons fresh dill
– 4 cloves garlic, chopped
– 2 teaspoons cumin powder
– 2 teaspoons coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– A pinch of cayenne pepper
– Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Falafels
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s begin with the step-by-step guide on how to make falafels:
Step 1: Soak and Drain Chickpeas
Take the chickpeas and soak them in enough water for at least 12 hours or overnight. Rinse and drain the chickpeas, and spread them out on a clean towel. Leave them to dry for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Grind Chickpeas
Using a food processor, grind the chickpeas to a coarse mix. Don’t over grind, or else you’ll end up with hummus. Add onions, garlic, coriander, cumin, dill, cilantro, salt, baking powder, and cayenne pepper to the chickpea mixture. Pulse again until everything is finely chopped, and the mixture holds together when pressed between your fingers.
Step 3: Shape the Falafels
Take the mixture and shape it into small balls using your hands or a falafel scoop. Flatten each ball slightly to create the desired shape, and place them in a tray lined with baking paper. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step helps the falafels hold their shape while frying.
Step 4: Fry Falafels
Heat the vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or a deep frying pan. Fry the falafels in batches for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown, and crisp. Drain the excess oil using a paper towel.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the freshly made falafels with pita bread, hummus, and a salad. And just like that, you have the perfect falafels!
In conclusion, falafels are a fantastic dish that you can easily make at home. All you need is some patience and a few ingredients to create the perfect blend of flavors, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Now that we have shown you how to make it step-by-step, you won’t be able to get enough of them!
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Falafels
Using the Right Oil for Frying
When it comes to making the best falafels, choosing the right oil for frying is essential. The type of oil you use can greatly affect the taste and texture of the falafels. Vegetable oil is a popular choice for frying falafels because it has a high smoking point and is neutral in flavor.
Another popular option is olive oil, which can add a fantastic flavor to your falafels. However, olive oil has a lower smoking point compared to other oils, so it may not be the best choice for frying falafels at high temperatures. It is important to keep an eye on the heat of the oil to prevent burning and ensure that the falafels are cooked evenly.
It is best to avoid using oils with strong flavors, such as coconut oil, as they can overpower the flavor of the falafels. Additionally, using oils that have a low smoking point, such as butter or margarine, can result in burnt falafels and an unpleasant taste.
How to get the Perfect Texture
The texture of falafels is crucial to their overall taste and enjoyment. Nobody likes a falafel that is too dry or crumbly. Here are some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect texture:
Firstly, it is important to use dry chickpeas instead of canned. Canned chickpeas contain too much water and create a wet batter, resulting in falafels that are too mushy and may fall apart during frying. Soaking dry chickpeas overnight and then draining them will give you a firm texture.
Make sure to thoroughly drain the chickpeas and blend them with the other ingredients until they create a smooth, homogeneous mixture. Do not overblend, as this can result in a runny batter.
Adding a binder such as flour or breadcrumbs to the mixture can also help maintain the shape of the falafels and result in a firmer texture. However, be careful not to add too much as it can dry out the falafels.
Finally, refrigerate the falafels for 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape and achieve a crispy outer layer.
Serving Suggestions for Falafels
Falafels are versatile and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Traditional accompaniments such as hummus, tahini sauce, and pickled vegetables are a classic and delicious option. You can also serve falafels with pita bread and a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
For a modern twist, you can make falafel burgers by placing the falafels in a burger bun and topping them with cheese, avocado, and other condiments. Falafel wraps are also a popular option, with the falafels wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce, hummus, and other fillings.
Whether you prefer traditional or modern serving suggestions, falafels are a healthy and tasty option for any meal.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this guide has given you the confidence to tackle making the perfect falafel recipe at home. Remember, the key to getting it right is to experiment with spices and ingredients until you find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new things and make your falafel unique!
Come visit us again for more tips and tricks on creating your favorite Middle Eastern dishes. We love sharing our knowledge with fellow foodies, and we can’t wait to see what amazing recipes you come up with. Happy cooking!
FAQ
1. Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?
Yes, you can, but be sure to drain them well and pat them dry before using them in the recipe.
2. How long can I store homemade falafel?
Homemade falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
3. Can falafel be frozen?
Yes, falafel can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap the falafel patties individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
4. What kind of toppings go well with falafel?
Toppings that go well with falafel include tahini sauce, hummus, pickled vegetables, chopped tomatoes and cucumbers, and hot sauce.
5. Can I bake falafel instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake falafel in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping the patties halfway through.
6. Do I need to soak the chickpeas overnight?
Yes, soaking the chickpeas overnight is important for achieving the right texture in your falafel.
7. Can I make gluten-free falafel?
Yes, you can substitute chickpea flour for the all-purpose flour in the recipe to make it gluten-free.
8. Can I use a food processor instead of a blender to make the falafel mixture?
Yes, a food processor can also be used to make the falafel mixture, but be sure to pulse the ingredients until they are finely ground and well combined.
9. Can I use a different type of bean to make falafel?
Yes, you can use other types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, to make falafel. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it can still be delicious.
10. Do I have to add cumin to the falafel mixture?
No, cumin is not a required ingredient for falafel, but it is a traditional spice used in many recipes. Feel free to experiment with other spices to find the perfect flavor profile for you.