Falafel Recipe
This falafel recipe is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices, then fried until crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. It is a naturally vegan, protein-rich option that reflects classic Lebanese and Egyptian-style falafel. If you are looking for the best falafel recipe to make at home with authentic texture and flavor, this version is dependable, straightforward, and yields consistently delicious results.
Ingredients
225 g (8 oz) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight (do not use canned)
1 cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
1 cup fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped
6 scallions, white and light green parts only, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
5 tablespoons water
Vegetable oil, for frying
Tahini Sauce
4 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 tablespoons water
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Directions
- Soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of cold water for at least 12 hours, then drain very well.
- Add the soaked chickpeas, parsley, coriander, scallions, garlic, cumin, ground coriander, salt, baking powder, flour, and water to a food processor.
- Pulse until the mixture looks coarse and grainy but sticks together when pressed between your fingers.
- Scoop the mixture using a heaped tablespoon and shape into small balls or slightly flattened patties.
- Place the shaped falafel on a tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 180–190°C (355°F).
- Fry the falafel in batches, gently lowering them into the oil and cooking for around 4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oil and drain briefly on paper towels.
- Prepare the tahini sauce by stirring the tahini and lemon juice until thick, then gradually adding water until smooth and pourable. Season with salt to taste.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Soaking Time: 12 hrs
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 20 falafels