Falafel

Oh, Falafel! Simply the thought of it can make your mouth water. A Middle Eastern dish that many are crazy about, Falafel is an absolute delicious food that is perfect for just about any occasion. A mixture of chickpeas, onions, and spices, all blended together and deep-fried until golden brown, these scrumptious little bites make a delightful and heartwarming meal that is not only nutritious but also vegan-friendly. Trust me, once you try this crispy outside, fluffy inside treat, you’ll be forever smitten.

They’re perfect for parties or get-togethers, as bite-sized appetizers, or placed in your sandwiches or wraps, or even served as a vegetarian main dish. Whether you’re a herbivore or a full-blown carnivore, you can’t help but fall in love with these ball-shaped miracles.

So let’s do this, guys! Here we’re discussing cooking time, heck yes!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 3-4 people
• Yield: 16-20 balls

Alright, let’s get this ball rolling! Here’s how to make your own Falafel.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 cups of chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 medium onion
• 3-4 cloves of garlic
• Handful of fresh parsley
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• Oil for frying

For this recipe, you’ll need a food processor and a frying pan. Chickpeas, the star of this dish, bring a nutty flavor alongside impressive health benefits, like protein and fiber. Meanwhile, the cumin, salt, and parsley add a beautiful depth of flavor. If you can’t find fresh parsley, dried would work too, just remember to use a smaller quantity as it’s more potent.

How To Make Falafel

1. To start with, drain and rinse your soaked chickpeas. It’s crucial to not cook these, as it’ll result in a mushy falafel.
2. Next, add in the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Blend it all up until you have a rough paste.
3. Then, refrigerate this mixture for about an hour. It allows for easier shaping of the balls.
4. Make your falafels into small, equal-sized balls or patties. For super crispy and evenly cooked falafels, it’s all about the size, folks. Not too big, not too small!
5. Finally, heat up some oil and it’s fry time! Remember, your oil has to be hot enough, and the falafels should be fried till golden brown on all sides.

Tips For The Best Results

• Soak chickpeas overnight, no canned chickpeas for this one.
• Keep the falafel mixture in the fridge before cooking; it helps in shaping.
• Avoid overcrowding your frying pan while frying the falafels.

Storage Tips

• You can freeze the uncooked shaped mixture for up to a month.
• Fried falafel is best when eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake these falafels instead of frying them?

A: Yes, they can be baked at 375��F (190��C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Q: Can I use canned chickpeas instead?

A: No, for best results use dried chickpeas soaked overnight. Canned chickpeas may make the mixture too soft.

Q: What can I serve with falafel?

A: They go well in wraps with tahini sauce or in a salad. They can also be served with hummus or tzatziki.

Q: Is Falafel gluten-free?

A: Yes, it���s naturally gluten-free.

Q: Do I need a food processor to make falafel?

A: You would get the best and smoothest results with a food processor, although you might achieve a chunkier texture with a pestle and mortar.

Nutritional Facts of Falafel

Each serving of Falafel may contain about 57 calories, 7.5 grams of carbohydrate, 2.6 grams of protein, 2.6 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Please note these are approximate values and may vary.

Truth be told, Falafel is an incredible dish, packing both flavor and nutrition. It’s not just food; it’s wholesome goodness in a bite-sized treasure. Plus, you can serve it with almost anything – veggies, dips, wraps, or even solo! Go on then, it’s time to enjoy your homemade goodies!