This herbed falafel recipe is an easy way to add a flavorful, healthy twist to your meals. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these falafels are packed full of fresh herbs and spices. You'll love how easy they are to whip up, and they're perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Our falafel recipe uses some ingredients that you might not have in your pantry, but they should be easy to find at any supermarket. Chickpeas are the main ingredient and can be found either canned or dried. Fresh flat leaf parsley and cilantro are often available in the produce section, and they add a burst of fresh flavor. All-purpose flour and vegetable oil are staple ingredients, and spices like cumin and chili powder add a warm, smoky touch.
Ingredients for Quick and Easy Herbed Falafel
Chickpeas: The star of the recipe, they provide a rich and creamy base.
Red onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the falafel.
Garlic: Gives a strong, hearty flavor.
Parsley: Freshens up the taste and adds color.
Cilantro: Gives a earthy flavor.
All purpose flour: Helps bind the ingredients together.
Lemon: Adds a tangy brightness to the mix.
Baking powder: Helps the falafel get a fluffy texture.
Cumin: Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
Chili Powder: Adds heat and complexity to the falafel.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
Vegetable oil: Used for frying the falafels.
One reader, Ianthe Urbina says:
This herbed falafel recipe was a game-changer! The flavors were so fresh and vibrant. The recipe was simple to follow, and the falafels turned out crispy and delicious. I loved how the herbs added a burst of flavor. It's now my go-to recipe for a quick and satisfying meal. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Herbed Falafel
How to prepare falafel mixture: Combine chickpeas, red onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, lemon juice and zest, baking powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until coarse but not mushy.
How to form falafel patties: Scoop out 2 tablespoon round balls of the falafel mixture and slightly flatten them to form patties. If the mixture does not hold together, stir in a little more flour.
How to fry falafel patties: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the falafel patties to the hot oil and cook until golden brown on both sides.
How to serve falafel: Serve the falafel patties and enjoy them as a delicious and flavorful dish.
How To Make Quick and Easy Herbed Falafel
This quick and easy herbed falafel is made special with the minty taste from cilantro and parsley and spiced up with cumin and chili powder for added heat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 15ozchickpeas,(1 can) drained and rinsed
- ½small red onion,peeled and quartered
- 4clovesgarlic,peeled
- ⅓cupfresh flat leaf parsley,packed
- ⅓cupfresh cilantro,packed
- ¼cupall purpose flour
- 1lemon
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspcumin
- ½tsp*chili powder,(see Recipe Notes for recipe)
- ½tspsalt
- pepper,to taste
- ¼cupvegetable oil
Instructions
-
Zest and juice the lemon. In a large food processor add chickpeas, red onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, baking powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Pulse until the mixture is coarse but not mushy. Scoop out 2 tablespoon round balls and slightly flatten to form patties. If the mixture will not hold together stir in a little more flour.
-
Add vegetable oil to a large 12-inch skillet and set over medium-high heat.
-
When the oil is hot, add the falafel patties to the oil and cook until golden brown, flip the falafel and cook until the other side is golden brown.
-
Remove from the oil and place onto a paper towel-lined plate. Continue cooking until all patties have been made.
-
Serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes
*Check out the Homemade Chili Powder Recipe to learn how to make this smoky blend.
Nutrition
- Calories: 152.82kcal
- Fat: 5.54g
- Saturated Fat: 0.43g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.44g
- Carbohydrates: 20.64g
- Fiber: 3.81g
- Sugar: 3.27g
- Protein: 6.24g
- Sodium: 101.21mg
- Calcium: 46.34mg
- Potassium: 232.99mg
- Iron: 1.61mg
- Vitamin A: 9.16µg
- Vitamin C: 5.49mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Herbed Falafel
To ensure your falafel has a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior, avoid over-processing the mixture in the food processor. It should be coarse and not mushy. Over-processing can lead to a dense and heavy falafel. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the patties. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a nice golden brown color.
Time-Saving Tips for Quick and Easy Herbed Falafel Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the chickpea mixture the night before and refrigerate. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly and efficiently blend the falafel ingredients, saving time and effort.
Batch cooking: Make a large batch of falafel and freeze the uncooked patties for future use. This way, you can have quick and easy falafel whenever you want.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, organize all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Preheat the skillet: Preheat the skillet while forming the falafel patties to save time during the cooking process.
Uniform shape: Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to ensure uniform falafel patties, which will cook evenly and save time during frying.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick and Easy Herbed Falafel Recipe
chickpeas - Substitute with canned white beans: Canned white beans can be used as a substitute for chickpeas in falafel. They have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable alternative for this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for red onions in this recipe. They have a slightly milder flavor and will work well in the falafel mixture.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
flat leaf parsley - Substitute with curly parsley: Curly parsley can be used as a substitute for flat-leaf parsley. While the flavors are slightly different, curly parsley can still provide a fresh herbaceous element to the falafel.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: If cilantro is not preferred, parsley can be used as a substitute. It will provide a similar fresh herb flavor to the falafel.
all purpose flour - Substitute with chickpea flour: Chickpea flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour in this recipe. It will help bind the falafel mixture and add a nutty flavor.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice. It provides a tangy acidity that can complement the flavors in the falafel.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder in this recipe. Use a smaller amount of baking soda (about 1/3 of the amount of baking powder) as it is more potent.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin. It has a similar warm, earthy flavor that can enhance the falafel mixture.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for chili powder. It will add a mild, smoky flavor and a pop of color to the falafel.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe. It will add a fruity flavor and richness to the falafel.
Best Way to Present Quick and Easy Herbed Falafel
Elevate the plating: Arrange the falafel patties in a circular pattern on the plate, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Garnish the falafel with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and cilantro to add a pop of green, enhancing the visual appeal.
Utilize negative space: Leave some areas of the plate uncovered to create a sense of balance and elegance, allowing the falafel to stand out as the focal point.
Add a touch of sophistication: Drizzle a light, tangy lemon-infused yogurt sauce in an artistic manner around the falafel, adding a touch of luxury to the dish.
Emphasize texture: Place the falafel on a bed of crisp, vibrant lettuce leaves to provide a contrast in textures and elevate the overall dining experience.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a sleek, modern plate that complements the colors of the falafel and enhances the overall visual impact of the dish.
Highlight precision and attention to detail: Ensure each falafel patty is placed with care and precision, showcasing the chef's dedication to culinary excellence.
Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the falafel patties alongside a small portion of pickled vegetables, adding a burst of acidity and color to the plate.
Essential Tools for Making Herbed Falafel
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to blend, chop, and puree ingredients. It is perfect for making the falafel mixture by quickly and efficiently combining the chickpeas, herbs, and other ingredients.
Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is essential for cooking the falafel patties to a crispy, golden brown exterior.
Paper towels: Paper towels are absorbent and useful for draining excess oil from the cooked falafel patties, helping to keep them crispy.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients such as flour, lemon juice, and spices to ensure the falafel mixture is well-balanced.
Grater or zester: A grater or zester is used to zest the lemon, adding a burst of citrus flavor to the falafel mixture.
Spatula: A spatula is handy for flipping the falafel patties in the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning.
Large mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is used to combine the falafel ingredients and form the mixture into patties. It allows for easy mixing and shaping of the falafel.
Tongs: Tongs are useful for carefully flipping the falafel patties in the skillet without damaging their shape.
Knife: A knife is essential for chopping the red onion, garlic, and herbs to the desired consistency before adding them to the food processor.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the ingredients before they are added to the food processor.
Plate: Plates are used for serving the cooked falafel patties, ready to be enjoyed.
How To Store and Freeze Homemade Falafel
- Let the cooked falafel patties cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled falafel in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze the falafel:
- Arrange the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the falafel are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen falafel to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated falafel, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- For frozen falafel, you can either:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above, or
- Reheat directly from frozen by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the falafel in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes (if thawed) or 8-10 minutes (if frozen), or until heated through and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Falafel
The best way to reheat leftover falafel is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method helps to retain the texture and flavor of the falafel without making them too dry or soggy.
Another option is to reheat the falafel in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the falafel and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy. This method is quicker than the oven, but be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the falafel to steam rather than crisp up.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the falafel in the microwave. Place the falafel on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. However, keep in mind that microwaving can cause the falafel to become slightly soggy, so it's not the ideal method if you're looking to maintain the crispy texture.
For a tasty twist, try slicing the leftover falafel in half and using them as a base for a sandwich or wrap. Spread some hummus, tzatziki, or your favorite sauce on a pita or wrap, add some sliced vegetables and the halved falafel, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
If you have a large batch of leftover falafel, consider freezing them for later use. Allow the falafel to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to eat them, thaw the falafel in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.
Random Fact About Herbed Falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is often served in a pita or wrapped in flatbread. It is a great source of plant-based protein and is typically made with chickpeas or fava beans.
Is Making Herbed Falafel at Home Economical?
This herbed falafel recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chickpeas, onion, and herbs, are budget-friendly and versatile. The addition of lemon and spices enhances the flavors without significantly increasing the cost. Overall Verdict: 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it an affordable and satisfying meal option.
Is This Herbed Falafel Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The herbed falafel recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it primarily consists of nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The herbs and spices used in the recipe, such as parsley, cilantro, cumin, and chili powder, offer additional health benefits and flavor without adding extra calories.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for frying the falafel patties in vegetable oil, which can add unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats to the dish. To make the recipe healthier, consider baking the falafel patties in the oven or using an air fryer instead of frying them in oil. This will significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish without compromising on taste or texture.
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a whole grain alternative, such as whole wheat flour or chickpea flour, to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the falafel.
- Experiment with adding other vegetables to the falafel mixture, such as grated carrots or zucchini, to boost the nutrient content and add more flavor and texture to the patties.
- Serve the falafel with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal and provide a balance of flavors and textures.
Editor's Thoughts on This Herbed Falafel Recipe
The herbed falafel recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices creates a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and flavorful. The use of lemon zest and juice adds a refreshing citrusy note, elevating the overall taste profile. The cooking method ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist and flavorful interior. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a delicious and wholesome meal, and the falafels can be enjoyed on their own, in pita pockets, or as part of a mezze platter.
Enhance Your Quick and Easy Herbed Falafel Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Quick and Easy Herbed Falafel Recipe
Why trust this Quick and Easy Herbed Falafel Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, which add vibrant flavors. The inclusion of chickpeas provides a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. The lemon juice and zest bring a zesty brightness, while the cumin and chili powder add a warm, aromatic depth. The use of vegetable oil for frying ensures a crispy exterior. These falafel patties are a delicious and nutritious option for anyone looking for a flavorful vegetarian dish.
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