Quick Lunch Easy Falafels
Whip up quick and easy falafels using soaked chickpeas and aromatic spices. Perfect for a speedy, flavorful lunch that's crispy on the outside and tender within.
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Food Processor
- Falafel Scoop (or hands)
- Large Skillet or Deep Pot
- Slotted Spoon
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
Falafel Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Chickpeas about 180g, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley packed, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro packed, roughly chopped
- 1/2 small Onion roughly chopped
- 3-4 cloves Garlic peeled
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional, for a kick
- 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Vegetable Oil For frying (enough to cover the bottom of your pan by about 1 inch)
Instructions
Preparation
- Soak dried chickpeas in cold water overnight (12-18 hours) until softened, then drain and rinse them thoroughly.
- Combine soaked chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper in a food processor.
- Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse meal, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well combined but not over-processed.
- Add flour and baking powder to the mixture, pulsing briefly until just combined; the mixture should hold together, adding more flour or water if necessary.
- Optionally, refrigerate the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors and make it easier to handle.
Cooking
- Shape the falafel mixture into 1.5 to 2-inch patties or balls, ensuring they are not too thick for even cooking.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium-high heat until a dropped piece of mixture sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place falafels into the hot oil without overcrowding, frying for 3-5 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy.
- Remove cooked falafels with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the falafels immediately with your chosen accompaniments.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of allspice or a touch of lemon zest to the falafel mixture. Serving with a tahini sauce, fresh pita, and chopped salad makes for a complete meal.