Want to try a vegan snack for a change? These balls of happiness will surely take your taste buds to the Middle East as you bite into its crispy crust with a pillowy soft center. The combination of herbs and spices adds interesting savory flavors to these treats. I fell in love with Middle Eastern cuisines when I tried couscous and Hummus, and now, my new addiction is—falafel. I can’t stop munching on them, especially because they’re guilt-free. Even my son, who isn’t a fan of veggies, enjoys them. They’re light and fluffy, with a pleasing texture and incredible flavor. What’s not to love? 😉 Falafel wrapped in pita is also a popular street food in Middle-East countries like Syria, Israel, and Egypt, making it their national food. You can get them with salad toppings, hummus, pickled vegetables, and drizzled with hot sauce and tahini-based sauces.
Recipe Ingredients
This falafel recipe is vegan and gluten-free. And even if you’re a die-hard meat lover like me, you find them just as filling as a steak. Doesn’t that make you smile?
Chickpeas – Also known as garbanzos, these guys are a popular ingredient in many vegetarian dishes. You can also use fava or broad beans.Baking Soda – For tender falafel, you need baking soda. It expands the dough while frying (or baking) to create a soft and fluffy interior.Seasonings – Fresh garlic, onion, parsley, coriander seed, cilantro, chili pepper flakes, black pepper, cumin, and lemon zest all party together for an incredible flavor explosion.
How to Make Falafel
Soak the Chickpeas Make the Falafel Mixture Shape and Fry
Recipe Variations
Falafel Wrap or Sandwich – Fill your pita with falafel, tomatoes, and chopped fresh herbs. Pour some yogurt, hot sauce, and tzatziki to complete your Middle-East comfort food experience.Baked Falafel – Using the same recipe and procedure, you can bake it for 15-20 minutes at 350℉/177℃ for a healthier version.Falafel Salad – Enjoy falafel on top of a salad with lettuce, fresh parsley, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy hummus dressing. Yum!Burger with Falafel Patty – Form patties instead of balls and swap your regular hamburger patty with a hearty falafel patty for the perfect vegetarian burger. 😉
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the falafel mixture in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container for three or four days. Then form it into balls or patties when ready to fry. Or you can shape them into balls or patties, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. After they’ve hardened, transfer them to a freezer ziplock bag, and they should keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for a month. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when ready to serve. To Reheat Oven or Toaster – Heat them at 350℉/177℃ for 5-15 minutes, depending on the size. Wrap them loosely in foil to prevent them from drying out. Microwave is less than ideal, but you can heat them on medium power for about 2-3 minutes or until heated. Air Fryer – Heat at 350℉/177℃ for 7-10 minutes or until heated. The air fryer will restore its crispiness. Awesome!
What to Serve With Falafel
Enjoy this vegan treat along with equally healthy comfort food recipes like the recipes below.
Israeli CouscousHummusPita BreadCajun Chicken Avocado SaladTzatziki Sauce
More Flavorful Bites to Try
Donut HolesHush PuppiesSoft Mini MandaziPuff PuffSouthern Cornmeal Fried Shrimp
Conclusion
What a wonderful vegan option for dinner or a quick snack! And even better, it’s straightforward and good for you, too. Would you like more vegetarian options? Check out more vegetarian entrees for a healthier lifestyle. ❤️
Watch How to Make It
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