How to Make Authentic Falafels - A Step-by-Step Guide

Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity all over the world. These crispy and flavorful falafels are made from ground chickpeas and a blend of fragrant herbs and spices, making them a delicious and wholesome choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, stuffed in a pita, or served with a variety of sauces and salads.

What makes these falafels truly authentic is the use of soaked dried chickpeas inste...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 ⅓ tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon white sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 pinch asafoetida powder
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 9 hrs
  • Total Time: 9 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings

  • Place dried chickpeas in a bowl. Fill with water to cover; stir in baking soda. Soak at least 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Drain.
  • Place soaked and drained chickpeas in a blender or food processor; blend to a paste.
  • Pour water into chickpea paste and blend until smooth. Scrape down sides of blender with spatula if needed.
  • Place sesame seeds, cumin, salt, baking powder, coriander, black pepper, red chili powder, sugar, turmeric, and asafoetida powder in blender with chickpea paste; blend until well mixed. Transfer chickpea mixture to a bowl.
  • Chill chickpea mixture in refrigerator to allow flavors to blend, at least 1 hour and up to two days.
  • Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch in a deep skillet over medium heat and heat to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C).
  • Scoop up chickpea mixture by heaping tablespoons and form into balls the size of ping pong balls.
  • Fry balls in hot oil until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
  • Nutrition

    262 cal.

    • Total Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Sodium: 582mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 21g
    • Dietary Fiber: 6g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 7g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 109mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 232mg