Are you craving fresh, homemade falafel? You’ve come to the right place! Falafel is a delicious dish that is easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In this post, we’re sharing how you can make falafel in 6 easy steps.
What is Falafel?
Falafel is a delicious middle eastern dish made with chickpeas, onions, herbs, and spices! This mixture is typically made into a ball or puck that is fried and served on its own or in a sandwich, wrap, salad, or on the side of your favourite meal. Falafels can be easily modified to suit your flavour and dietary preferences, and are easily vegan, gluten-free, and rich in protein.
Lebanese Falafel Recipe
This tasty dish is easy to make! If you’re interested in learning how to make falafel from the comfort of your home, we have the recipe for you. To make falafel you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups of cooked chickpeas (2 cups of dried chickpeas, or about 3 cans depending on size)
- 1 large onion, cut into quarters
- 4 garlic cloves
- ¾ cup fresh parsley, stems removed
- ½ cup cilantro, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Enough vegetable oil for frying, grapeseed, canola, or sunflower oil also works well
This recipe serves 6-9 people, depending on the size you create your falafels. Once cooked, falafels can also be frozen for up to three months!
How To Make Falafel in 6 Easy Steps
- Thoroughly rinse and dry your chickpeas and add them to the bowl of a food processor. Blend the chickpeas until they are powder-like.
- Add the onion, garlic cloves, parsley, cilantro, salt, cumin, coriander, and black pepper to the food processor and blend with the chickpeas until the mixture becomes a paste-like consistency.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about one hour. Once cooled, sprinkle the baking powder on your falafel mixture and fold in gently.
- Use an ice cream scoop or your hands to form round balls with the falafel mix.
- In a frying pan, heat cooking oil to cover at least 1 inch of the pan on medium heat. Add your falafel balls to the frying pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until brown.
- Once your falafels are done frying, remove them from the oil and set them on a plate lined with a paper towel to dry the excess oil.
How Do You Serve Falafel?
One of the best things about falafel is that it can be served in a variety of ways. If you’d like to enjoy falafel in a more “as-is” form, pair it with hummus, baba ganouj, or garlic sauce! If you’re looking to add to your meal, try having falafel in a sandwich, salad, or on the side of your favourite meal!
Make It Spooky
Spooky season is upon us Windsor-Essex! Try making falafel spooky by making falafel spiders! In this recipe by Veggie Belly, the creators add fresh veggies – green pepper, black olives, and red peppers to create falafel spiders. This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next Halloween party.
Image Source: Veggie Belly
Try Falafel at Basha’s Shawarma
On days when you do not feel like making your own falafels, Basha’s Shawarma offers many ways for you and your family to enjoy authentic, Lebanese falafels. Order falafels as an appetizer, in a Veggie or Falafel Plate, or in a Falafel Veggie Bowl or Sandwich. We also offer falafels as part of our catering menu. Visit our menu to view other delicious meals, appetizers, and desserts to add to your meal. When you are ready, contact us to place your order!
Note: this recipe is not Basha’s Shawarma’s official recipe for Falafel. This recipe is adapted from Yumna Jawad.