Alright foodies, let's talk falafel! These little golden nuggets of deliciousness are not only incredibly tasty but also packed with good stuff. Forget those greasy takeout versions, we're diving headfirst into the world of homemade falafel, and trust me, it's easier than you think!
I used to be a bit of a falafel tourist, always grabbing them from street vendors, especially when I lived in the bustling food scene of London. But now that I'm chilling on a tiny Greek island, my falafel cravings had to get a bit more creative. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, or should I say, my own kitchen?
The biggest hurdle was my fear of deep frying. I'm all about that healthy life, you know? But let's be real, sometimes you just need that crispy crunch that only deep frying can deliver. I've tried baking and shallow frying, but they just didn't capture that authentic falafel magic. So, I decided to embrace the fryer (occasionally!).
Now, I'm not saying you should be deep frying everything, but these falafels are definitely worth it. They're packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of good stuff. Plus, when you serve them with a mountain of salad, hummus, and a generous drizzle of tahini sauce, you've got a balanced meal that's both delicious and nutritious. Even my partner, who is not a fan of low-fat anything, gives them a big thumbs up. Win-win!
So, grab your chickpeas and let's get cooking! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to create these little balls of happiness. And when you do, make sure you enjoy them in the sunshine with your favorite people.
Homemade Falafel Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Falafels:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- ½ cup fresh parsley and coriander (mixed)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 large spring onion, white part, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt (slightly heaped)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper (or less for less heat)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 tbsp flour (use rice flour for a gluten-free option)
- Sunflower oil, for frying
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Water (to thin)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ garlic clove, pressed
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Salt to taste
Method:
Falafels
- Drain and rinse your soaked chickpeas, then toss them in a food processor with all the other falafel ingredients (except for the 2 tbsp of flour).
- Process until you have a coarse mixture, not a paste. It should be chunky.
- Pop the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes. It will be much easier to handle when chilled. Use this time to prep your salad.
- Try to form a disk of the mix with your hands, if it’s falling apart, add the rest of the flour. You may need a little more.
- Form small discs using your hands and place them on a lightly floured surface.
- Heat up about 1cm of oil in a pan over medium heat. It should take a few minutes for the oil to reach the right temperature. If the oil around the mixture sizzles and it browns slowly, its good to go, if the mixture burns straight away the oil is too hot. Use one falafel to test, it should take about 3-4 minutes to get golden on one side and then repeat on the other side.
- Carefully place several falafels into the oil. Do not overcrowd the pan and fry in batches. Fry for 3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown.
- Use a slotted spatula to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain.
Tahini Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the tahini and water until you have a light, pourable, and smooth mixture. You may need a bit more water.
- Add the lemon juice, maple syrup, pressed garlic, and salt. Stir everything together.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve your hot, crispy falafels with a big dollop of hummus, a generous helping of tahini sauce, and a colourful array of salads. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures.
Tips and Notes:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Work in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- After frying let the oil cool down, then sieve it through paper towels and keep it in a jar in a dark cupboard for your next falafel batch.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like it hot, add more cayenne pepper!
Tag me in your pictures using the hashtag #LazyCatKitchen if you decide to recreate this recipe, i would love to see it!
Nutritional Information (per falafel)
- Calories: 91
- Sugars: 2g
- Fats: 3g
- Saturates: 0g
- Proteins: 4g
- Carbs: 13g
Enjoy your falafel adventure and happy cooking!