Name: Falafel
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 13 h 5 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 cups dried chickpeas; 1 small onion, roughly chopped; 4 garlic cloves; 1 cup fresh parsley; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour; Vegetable oil for frying

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful center.
Packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
Naturally dairy-free and easy to make vegan.
Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead meals.
Versatile enough for sandwiches, salads, and bowls.
Made with wholesome ingredients and bold spices.
Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dried chickpeas
Onion, roughly chopped
Garlic cloves
Fresh parsley
Fresh cilantro
Ground cumin
Ground coriander
Baking powder
Salt
Black pepper
All-purpose flour or chickpea flour
Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of water overnight or for at least 12 hours.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
Add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.
Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when pressed. Do not puree completely.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the baking powder and flour.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the mixture firm up.
Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the falafel in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your favorite sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Soaking Time: 12 hours
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 13 hours 5 minutes

Variations

Bake the falafel instead of frying for a lighter option.
Cook in an air fryer for a crispy texture with less oil.
Add fresh mint for a brighter flavor.
Include a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Use fava beans in place of some or all of the chickpeas for a traditional variation.
Make mini falafel for appetizers or party platters.
Add sesame seeds to the mixture for extra nuttiness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store cooked falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Uncooked falafel mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Freeze cooked falafel for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.
Use an air fryer for a crispier texture.
Microwave if needed, though the exterior may lose some crispness.
Thaw frozen falafel in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas?

Traditional falafel is best made with soaked dried chickpeas. Canned chickpeas often produce a softer mixture that may fall apart during cooking.

Why do I need to soak the chickpeas?

Soaking softens the chickpeas and allows them to blend properly while maintaining the right texture.

Can I bake falafel instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

Is falafel vegan?

Yes, traditional falafel is naturally vegan when made without animal-derived ingredients.

What sauces pair well with falafel?

Tahini sauce, garlic sauce, hummus, and tzatziki are all popular accompaniments.

Can I make falafel gluten-free?

Yes, use chickpea flour or another gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Why is my falafel falling apart?

The mixture may be too wet or not chilled long enough. Adding a little flour can help improve binding.

Can I freeze uncooked falafel?

Yes, shape the falafel and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.

What can I serve with falafel?

Pita bread, salads, rice, pickled vegetables, hummus, and tabbouleh are excellent options.

How do I know when falafel is done?

The exterior should be golden brown and crispy while the interior remains tender and fully cooked.

Conclusion

Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern favorite that combines simple ingredients with bold herbs and spices to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Whether tucked into warm pita bread, added to a fresh salad, or served as an appetizer, its crispy texture and savory flavor make it a timeless choice. Easy to customize and perfect for meal prep, falafel is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Falafel

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Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish made from soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, fried until crispy and golden. Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is perfect for pita sandwiches, salads, or appetizers.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 13 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Deep Fry
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of water overnight or for at least 12 hours.
Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly.
Add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.
Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when pressed. Do not puree completely.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the baking powder and flour.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the falafel in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve warm with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and your favorite sauce.

Notes

Use soaked dried chickpeas rather than canned chickpeas for the best texture.
For a gluten-free version, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Falafel can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Store cooked falafel in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serve with tahini sauce, hummus, or fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 10 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg