Falafel Patties

$- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh parsley, packed - 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed The base of falafel patties is dried chickpeas. Soaking them overnight helps them soften. This step is crucial for a great texture. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add bright flavor. They make your falafel taste fresh and vibrant. Aromatics like onion and garlic bring depth. They create a warm, savory taste that you’ll love. - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more as needed) - Vegetable oil for frying The spices bring warmth and earthiness to your falafel. Ground cumin and coriander are classic in Middle Eastern dishes. Baking soda helps the patties rise and stay light. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Flour acts as a binder and gives a nice crispy texture. Lastly, vegetable oil is key for frying. It creates that golden brown crust we all crave! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Herbed Falafel Patties 🥙 section. To start, soak chickpeas overnight. This helps them soften, making them easy to blend. Use about one cup of dried chickpeas for the best results. After soaking, drain and rinse them well. Next, chop your herbs and aromatics. You will need one small onion and two cloves of garlic. Make sure to chop them into small pieces. Also, use one cup each of fresh parsley and cilantro. Fresh herbs give falafel a great flavor. Now, it’s time to blend everything. Place the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of ground coriander, half a teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it’s coarse and crumbly, not smooth. You want some texture. Scrape the bowl sides as needed to mix well. Once blended, transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. This helps bind the patties. Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step firms up the mix and makes shaping easier. For cooking, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Use about half an inch of oil for frying. While the oil heats, wet your hands. Shape the chickpea mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches wide. Carefully place the patties into the hot oil, but do not overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color; this means they're ready. Once cooked, remove the patties with a slotted spoon. Drain them on paper towels to get rid of extra oil. Enjoy your crispy herbed falafel patties warm! For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. - Ideal frying temperature: Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). This helps the falafel get crispy. If the oil is too cold, the patties absorb too much oil and can be soggy. - How to prevent patties from falling apart: Ensure you pulse the mixture until it is coarse but not smooth. If your mix is too wet, add a little more flour. Chilling the mixture for about 30 minutes helps it hold together better. - Pairing with sauces and dips: Serve your falafel with tahini sauce or a yogurt dip. Both add a creamy contrast to the crispy patties. You can also try spicy sauces for a kick. - Best accompaniments like pita and salad: Wrap the falafel in warm pita bread. Add fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch. You can also serve it on a plate with a colorful salad for a full meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your falafel patties easily. One fun way is to add spices. For a kick, try adding chili powder or paprika. These spices bring warmth and depth. You might also enjoy adding cumin for an extra layer of flavor. Another great way to mix things up is to add vegetables. Grated carrots or chopped bell peppers can change the texture. This adds crunch and a pop of color to your patties. You can experiment with different herbs too. Mint or dill can give your falafel a fresh twist. Falafel can be served in many ways. You might enjoy them in a wrap. This makes for a handy meal on the go. Just add some fresh veggies and sauce for a tasty bite. On the other hand, serving falafel on a platter is also great. You can create a beautiful spread with dips and salads. This is perfect for sharing with friends. If you need gluten-free options, use chickpea flour instead of regular flour. This keeps the taste and texture while meeting your needs. You can also serve falafel with gluten-free pita bread. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy exploring all the ways you can make falafel your own! To keep your cooked falafel patties fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist and flavorful. You can store them for up to four days. When you want to eat them again, use these reheating tips to keep that crispy texture. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Place the patties on a baking sheet. 3. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps them regain their crunch without frying again. If you want to save time later, freeze your uncooked falafel patties. Here’s how: 1. Shape your patties as usual. 2. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 3. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. 4. Transfer the frozen patties to a freezer bag. This way, you can store them for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, just fry them from frozen. If you have cooked falafel left, you can freeze those too: 1. Let them cool completely. 2. Place them in a single layer in a container or freezer bag. 3. Store for up to two months. To reheat, follow the same oven method mentioned before. Enjoy your falafel any time you want! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. Can I make falafel patties without chickpeas? Yes, you can use other beans or lentils. Some people enjoy using fava beans for a twist. You can also try black beans or even quinoa. Just remember to adjust the spices to match the flavor of your substitute. What dipping sauces pair well with falafel? Falafel tastes great with many sauces. Tahini sauce is a classic choice. You can also try garlic sauce or tzatziki. For a spicy kick, consider a harissa or sriracha sauce. Each adds a unique flavor to the crispy patties. Where to buy ready-made falafel patties? You can find pre-made falafel in many grocery stores. Check the freezer aisle for options. Some stores have fresh falafel in the deli section. You can also buy falafel from specialty Middle Eastern markets. Recommended brands for store-bought options Look for brands like Cedar’s or Athenos for tasty pre-made falafel. They offer good flavor and texture. You might also find local brands that make fresh falafel. Always check the ingredients for the best quality. Health benefits of falafel Falafel is a great source of protein and fiber. Chickpeas provide essential nutrients. They are also low in fat and can help keep you full. Plus, fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants. Caloric content and serving size One serving of falafel patties (about 3 pieces) has around 200 calories. This can vary with cooking methods. If you fry them, the calories may be higher. Serving them with veggies can enhance the meal while keeping it healthy. In this guide, we covered how to make delicious falafel patties. We discussed the key ingredients, including chickpeas, herbs, and spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for making the perfect patties. I also shared tips for cooking and serving suggestions to enhance your dish. Remember, falafel is versatile and can easily adapt to your taste. Try different seasonings or serving styles. With practice, you'll master this tasty dish, impressing friends and family with your homemade falafel. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!$

Satisfy your cravings with these crispy herbed falafel patties! Made from wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these delicious patties are perfect for a healthy meal or snack. Follow our easy recipe to create golden-brown treats that pair wonderfully with tahini sauce and fresh veggies.

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Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh parsley, packed

1 cup fresh cilantro, packed

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more as needed)

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Place them in a food processor along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper.

Pulse the mixture until coarse and crumbly but not pureed. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl as needed.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour. Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. You’ll need about 1/2 inch of oil for frying.

With wet hands, shape the chickpea mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.

Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Remove the falafel patties using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve warm with tahini sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, alongside fresh pita bread, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4