Falafel

I tried to think of a creative title, but sometimes simple and to-the-point is best.

Ground chickpeas with spices, parsley, cilantro, and vegetables blended into patties and cooked until golden brown.

This falafel recipe is adapted from the one and only Goldie (yes, just like the hummus from last week!). I made one major change: baking it! Instead of frying the falafel I portioned them out and baked them in the oven for about 20 minutes.

So much easier than frying since you don’t have to watch over the falafel as they cook. Of course, because they aren’t fried they’ll be a little less crispy and you have to make sure you don’t over bake them or they’ll taste dry -> but nothing that some good hummus can’t fix!

The whole recipe is relatively easy, just dump into a food processor/blender and mix. You just have to plan ahead and soak the dried chickpeas overnight. I prefer using dried chickpeas instead of canned because you don’t have to add flour and the chickpea flavor is more pronounced.

My pictures might be deceiving. I didn’t use the proper amount of parsley for these photos (I ran out) so your falafel will have more green color. Sounds unappealing, but I promise it adds great flavor.

overhead view of falafel patties and bowl of hummus

I didn’t veer too much from the classic falafel recipe, but if you want more spice or anything you can add whatever you think would be best.

Make sure to save some falafel for a recipe I’m posting later this week! I’m so excited to share it, it uses both the hummus and falafel!

Are you going to make falafel? Leave a comment with any questions or suggestions, I love hearing your thoughts!

Falafel

From north coast eats at https://northcoasteats.com/falafel/

https://northcoasteats.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/falafel-0140.jpg

Yield: Makes about 15 one-inch falafel patties

Ground chickpeas with spices, parsley, cilantro, and vegetables blended into patties and cooked until golden brown.

You'll Need...

1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1/2 pound dry chickpeas, soaked OVERNIGHT!, drained
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 medium carrot
1/2 medium onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon water

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Add all ingredients to a food processor or high speed blender. Blend until everything is finely chopped.
If mixture seems too dry, add more water.
Form falafel into 1-inch balls. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Baked until golden brown, about 20 minutes flipping halfway through the cooking time.