Falafel crispy, golden-brown, and packed with flavor. This Middle Eastern classic is beloved for good reason: it’s not only delicious but also versatile and healthy. Whether you’re making it for a quick snack or preparing a full meal, falafel always feels like a treat. But the best part? Making falafel at home can elevate the experience even further. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making falafel from scratch, from classic recipes to exciting variations. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make falafel that rivals your favorite takeout spots, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Check out our full list of Quick Weeknight Dinner Ideas for more easy recipes. Check out our full list of Quick Weeknight Lunch Ideas for more easy recipes!
Why Homemade Falafel Recipes Beat Store-Bought
You might wonder what makes homemade falafel so special when you can find it easily in stores or at restaurants. The answer is simple: when you make it yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, the flavors, and the quality. Homemade falafel tastes fresher, is more customizable, and gives you the opportunity to adjust it according to your personal preferences.
Taste and Freshness
Store-bought falafel often contains preservatives to maintain its shelf life, which can affect the taste and texture. When you make falafel at home, you’re using fresh ingredients, ensuring that the flavors are vibrant and authentic. Plus, there’s something uniquely satisfying about biting into a freshly made falafel.
Customization
One of the biggest advantages of making falafel yourself is that you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes. You can experiment with different spices, herbs, and vegetables to make the falafel exactly how you like it. Whether you prefer it spicier, sweeter, or packed with more vegetables, the choice is yours.
Healthier Options
By making falafel at home, you can avoid the excess oil and preservatives often found in store-bought versions. Plus, you have the freedom to choose healthier oils for frying, such as olive oil, or even opt for baking the falafel for a lighter alternative.
What Makes a Perfect Falafel?
A perfect falafel has the right balance of textures and flavors. It should have a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. The key to achieving this is using the right ingredients and following the right methods.
The Right Texture
When it comes to falafel, texture is everything. The outside should be crispy and crunchy, while the inside should remain soft, airy, and slightly creamy. The key is getting the chickpeas (or fava beans) to the right consistency when blending. They should be slightly coarse rather than pureed, allowing for that perfect texture.
Flavorful Seasoning
The seasoning is what truly makes falafel stand out. A combination of cumin, coriander, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro is traditional, but there’s plenty of room for variation. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your preferences or even add extras like paprika, turmeric, or chili flakes.
Chickpeas or Fava Beans
The foundation of falafel is typically chickpeas, though some recipes call for fava beans or a combination of both. Chickpeas provide a slightly nutty flavor, while fava beans add a creamier texture. Using dried chickpeas is essential for the best texture, as canned chickpeas tend to be too moist and can result in falafel that falls apart during frying.
Classic Falafel Recipes to Try at Home
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to dive into a simple yet delicious falafel recipe you can easily make at home. This classic recipe uses chickpeas and traditional Middle Eastern spices to create a flavorful falafel that you can enjoy on its own or with your favorite sides.
Ingredients for the Best Falafel Recipes:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1-2 teaspoons ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4-6 tablespoons flour (you can use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried Chickpeas | 1 cup |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Parsley | 2 tbsp, chopped |
| Cilantro | 2 tbsp, chopped |
| Garlic | 4-5 cloves |
| Cumin | 1-2 tsp |
| Coriander | 1-2 tsp |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Flour | 4-6 tbsp |
Instructions:
- Soak the Chickpeas: Begin by soaking the dried chickpeas in water overnight. This will help them soften and achieve the perfect consistency for falafel.
- Blend the Ingredients: Once the chickpeas are soaked, drain them and add them to a food processor. Add the onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but not pureed.
- Add Baking Powder and Flour: Add the baking powder and flour to the mixture. Pulse again until everything is well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add more flour until it holds together when shaped into balls.
- Refrigerate the Mixture: Refrigerate the falafel mixture for at least an hour. This step helps the falafel hold together while frying.
- Form the Falafel: Once the mixture has chilled, shape it into small balls or patties, roughly the size of a golf ball.
- Fry the Falafel: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C). Cook the falafel in batches, ensuring the pan isn’t overcrowded. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve your homemade falafel with pita, a drizzle of tahini, and your favorite salad.
Variations on the Classic: Creative Falafel Recipes
If you’re looking to experiment with falafel, there are many delicious variations you can try. These twists on the classic recipe add new flavors and textures, making falafel even more exciting.
Spicy Falafel Recipes to Add a Kick
If you love heat, add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh chilies to your falafel mixture. These spices will add a fiery kick that pairs wonderfully with a cool yogurt or tahini sauce.
Sweet Potato Falafel Recipes for a Unique Twist
For a slightly sweet and creamy twist, try adding mashed sweet potato to the falafel mix. Sweet potato adds a smooth texture and a hint of sweetness, making for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Vegan Falafel Recipes for a Plant-Based Option
Traditional falafel recipes often contain egg as a binder, but for a vegan version, you can use a flaxseed mixture instead. Simply mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes to form a gel-like consistency.
How to Make Falafel Recipes Ahead of Time
Falafel can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for meal prepping or when you have guests coming over. Here’s how to store and prepare falafel in advance.
Storing Unfried Falafel
You can freeze falafel before frying them. Once shaped into balls or patties, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Next, place the frozen falafel into a freezer bag or an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook them, fry them directly from the freezer.
Leftovers
If you have leftover falafel, store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat by baking them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Falafel Recipes
Falafel is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy your homemade falafel.
Falafel Wraps
One of the most popular ways to enjoy falafel is in a pita or flatbread wrap. Add a dollop of tahini sauce, a few slices of cucumber, tomato, and lettuce for a fresh, satisfying meal.
Falafel Salad
For a lighter option, serve falafel on a bed of fresh greens. Top with a yogurt-based dressing or tahini drizzle for added flavor.
Falafel with Hummus
Another great way to enjoy falafel is with a side of hummus. The creamy hummus pairs perfectly with the crispy falafel, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Falafel Recipes
Making falafel may seem simple, but there are a few tips that can help you get it just right every time.
Do Not Over-Process the Mixture
The key to the perfect falafel texture is not over-processing the mixture. It should be coarse and slightly chunky, not pureed into a smooth paste. This will help keep the falafel light and airy on the inside.
Check Oil Temperature
If the oil is too hot, the falafel will become crispy on the outside but remain raw on the inside. If the oil is too cold, the falafel will absorb excess oil and turn out greasy.
The ideal temperature for frying falafel is around 350°F (175°C).
Shape Consistency
Try to keep your falafel balls or patties uniform in size. This ensures that they cook evenly and that the texture is consistent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Falafel Recipes
Even experienced cooks can make a few mistakes when making falafel. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
Using Canned Chickpeas
Canned chickpeas are convenient but often too soft and moist for making falafel. For the best results, always use dried chickpeas and soak them overnight.
Not Letting the Mixture Rest
Resting the falafel mixture in the fridge for an hour helps it firm up and improves the texture. Skipping this step can result in falafel that falls apart during frying.
Overcrowding the Fryer
Frying too many falafel at once can lower the temperature of the oil, leading to soggy, greasy falafel. Cook the falafel in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
FAQs About Falafel Recipes
Q: What can I use instead of chickpeas in falafel?
A: Chickpeas are the traditional base for falafel, but you can get creative with alternatives. Fava beans are a great substitute, offering a slightly different texture and flavor. For a unique twist, try combining chickpeas with lentils. This not only changes the flavor profile but also adds a different texture, making your falafel more interesting.
Q: Can I bake falafel instead of frying them?
A: Yes, baking falafel is a healthier alternative to frying, and it can still result in a delicious meal. To bake your falafel, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the falafel on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method is great for those looking to cut back on oil while still enjoying falafel with a crispy exterior. You can also brush or spray the falafel with a little olive oil before baking to enhance the crispiness.
Q: Why is my falafel falling apart?
A: If your falafel is falling apart, it’s usually because of excess moisture or not enough binding ingredients. Make sure your chickpeas are well-drained and that you’re not using too much liquid in the mixture. Additionally, adding a bit more flour or breadcrumbs can help bind the ingredients together and give the falafel structure. You may also want to chill the mixture for at least an hour before shaping it, as this can help the falafel hold together better during cooking.
Q: How do I make falafel crispy?
A: Achieving a crispy falafel requires the right technique. If frying, ensure the oil is hot enough, but not smoking. Frying in small batches allows the falafel to cook evenly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil. For baking, brushing the falafel with a thin layer of olive oil before baking will help them crisp up nicely.
Conclusion
Making falafel at home is a rewarding experience. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create falafel that is fresh, flavorful, and completely customizable. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, homemade falafel is always a treat. So, roll up your sleeves and start making your own falafel today—you won’t regret it!