Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, then fried to perfection. This recipe simplifies the process by using canned chickpeas, making it a quick and convenient way to enjoy this delicious vegetarian treat. The falafel balls are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with fresh flavors from parsley, cilantro, and garlic. Serve these falafel balls in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly.
- Make the Falafel Mixture:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse paste. Be careful not to over-process; the mixture should be chunky, not smooth.
- Shape the Falafel:
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- With wet hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Fry the Falafel:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the falafel in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the falafel from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve the falafel warm, in pita bread or flatbreads, with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
- Drizzle with tahini sauce or your favorite dressing. Garnish with additional parsley or cilantro if desired.
Enjoy your homemade falafel with canned chickpeas, a delicious and easy way to bring the flavors of the Middle East to your kitchen!
