What Is Falafel?
The Falafel recipe, originally a Middle Eastern dish, has gained immense popularity on Western tables. This versatile recipe has become a favourite among vegans and vegetarians due to its high protein content.
It’s versatility makes it a perfect dish. You can serve it as a main meal in pita bread as a sandwich. Or as part of Foul (an Egyptian/Sudanese dish), as shown in the picture.
How To Make Falafel Recipe?
You’ll discover numerous variations of falafel recipes on the internet. Each is influenced by the maker’s background and their region within the Middle East.
Although widely known as a Middle Eastern dish. The recipe is also a staple part of the daily breakfast in some African countries, particularly in northeast Africa.
Despite the regional differences, the core ingredients of all falafel recipes involve some type of legume. Whether it’s chickpeas, fava beans, or in some cases, black-eyed beans.
The specific spices and additional ingredients used can vary based on the individual taste, and dietary preferences.
Why Is It Important To Soak The Beans Overnight Instead Of Cooking them?
Soaking beans overnight, rather than cooking them, is important for making falafel because it helps rehydrate the dried beans and soften them to the right texture.
This process ensures that the falafel mixture is not too dry or too wet. This allows for better shaping and a more balanced final texture.
Soaked beans also blend more easily with other ingredients, creating a smoother and cohesive mixture for making delicious falafel.
What Is Falafel Made Of?
I was recently at a party and struck up a conversation with my Egyptian friend. The topic of the ingredients used in falafel came up.
Having grown up in Sudan, I shared that we make falafel using chickpeas and black-eyed beans.
To my Egyptian friend’s surprise, she learned that I don’t use fava beans at all in my falafel recipe, despite the fact that we both serve the dish alongside the same main meal—foul. Which is also made from fava beans.
All of this is to say that as long as you are using legumes as the core ingredient. The dish is very flexible and can cater to a wide range of dietary requirements.
However, below is the version my family has been making for decades.
It has been adjusted along the way, and to make it healthier, I’ve also made some modifications to suit my family.
Now, it’s your turn to get creative and create a version that suits your preferences.
Is Falafel Healthy?
The nutrient-rich legumes, such as chickpeas and black-eyed beans, contribute to the healthiness of falafel by providing protein and fibre.
The good news is that this dish is highly versatile, allowing you to easily substitute ingredients and cooking methods for healthier options.
Consider using fresh herbs, especially if they’re from your garden, instead of dried ones.
Opt for fresh garlic over garlic powder, and choose spring onions or brown onions instead of onion powder.
When cooking, use extra virgin olive oil instead of processed oils. Or even better, opt for baking or air frying to make it a healthier choice
Can I Make Falafel Recipe With Canned Chickpeas?
Texture: Canned chickpeas tend to be softer and moister than dried chickpeas that have been soaked and rehydrated. This excess moisture can make the falafel mixture too wet. Leading to difficulty in shaping and potentially resulting in a softer, less crispy final product.
Flavour: Canned chickpeas may have a slightly different flavour compared to fresh dry chickpeas.
Delicious Homemade Falafel Recipe
Description
Enjoy the fantastic flavours of our homemade falafel recipe. Each bite combines fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and perfectly crispy legumes. Whether you pop them in pita bread or toss them on a salad, this falafel is a savoury treat that'll transport your taste buds to the heart of the Middle East.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas and black-eyed beans. Soak them overnight.
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The next day, rinse and drain the soaked beans, and add them to a blender.
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To the blender, add all the spices, garlic, onion, chili, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
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Blend the mixture until it forms a coarse paste.
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Place the mixture in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
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After chilling, roll the mixture into round balls. You should be able to make 20-25 falafels.
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In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, then fry the falafels until they are golden brown and crispy.
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For extra crunchiness, you can also use an air fryer and air-fry the falafels for 3-5 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious homemade falafels!