Falafel Veg Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Guide

Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish that has won hearts worldwide for its crispy texture and vibrant flavor. This falafel veg recipe takes the traditional chickpea-based fritter and infuses it with fresh herbs and spices, making it a perfect vegetarian and vegan-friendly option for any meal.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying snack, a hearty lunch, or a delicious dinner, these homemade falafel balls will impress with their golden crust and tender, flavorful interior. Plus, making falafel at home allows you to control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and customize the seasoning to your taste.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to prepare falafel from scratch using simple, wholesome ingredients. We’ll also explore handy tips to ensure your falafel is perfectly crispy every time and offer ideas for serving and variations.

Ready to dive into the world of falafel? Let’s get started and bring a taste of the Middle East to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This falafel recipe is a fantastic blend of health and taste. Made primarily from chickpeas and fresh vegetables, it’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Unlike store-bought versions that can be greasy and heavy, homemade falafel is light, crispy, and bursting with fresh flavors.

What makes this recipe stand out?

• Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add vibrant color and a punch of flavor.
• Simple, natural ingredients ensure a wholesome dish free from preservatives.
• Versatility: Great as a snack, in wraps, or atop salads.
• Easy to prepare with common kitchen equipment and pantry staples.

With a crispy outside and tender inside, these falafels are sure to become a staple in your plant-based meal rotation. If you like this, don’t forget to explore other delicious vegetarian recipes such as Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals to broaden your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (do not use canned)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Large bowl for soaking chickpeas
• Food processor to blend ingredients
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon for removing falafel
• Paper towels to drain excess oil
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Baking sheet (optional, if baking instead of frying)
• Mixing spoon

Instructions

1. Soak the chickpeas: Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Soak overnight or for at least 12 hours until they have doubled in size.
2. Drain and rinse: Drain the chickpeas thoroughly and rinse under cold water.
3. Prepare the falafel mixture: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until you get a coarse, grainy mixture. Avoid pureeing into a paste.
4. Add spices and binding agents: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in the cumin, coriander, black pepper, cayenne (if using), salt, baking powder, and flour. Mix well until combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour.
5. Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes shaping easier.
6. Shape the falafel: With wet hands or using a falafel scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties about 1.5 inches in diameter.
7. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle immediately.
8. Fry the falafel: Carefully place a few falafel balls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
9. Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer falafel to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining falafel.
10. Enjoy: Serve hot with tahini sauce, pita bread, fresh salad, or your favorite dips.

Tips & Variations

“For the crispiest falafel, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, falafel will absorb excess oil and become soggy.”

• Baking option: For a healthier twist, bake falafel on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Herb swaps: Try adding fresh dill or mint for a different herbaceous flavor.
• Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or sumac for a smoky, tangy note.
• Serve with different sauces: Experiment with Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or classic garlic yogurt (vegan or dairy-based) for variety.
• Use canned chickpeas: Not recommended as they are too soft and watery, but if you must, drain and dry them thoroughly, then add extra flour to bind.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredient brands and frying oil absorption.

Serving Suggestions

Falafel is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to serve your falafel like a pro:

• Pita pockets: Stuff falafel into warm pita bread along with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and a drizzle of tahini or tzatziki sauce.
• Salad bowls: Serve falafel atop a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and pickled onions for a refreshing salad.
• Wraps and sandwiches: Wrap falafel in flatbreads with hummus, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs.
• Dips and sauces: Complement falafel with garlic sauce, spicy harissa, or classic hummus.
• Side dishes: Pair with roasted vegetables or a light couscous salad for a balanced meal.

If you enjoy exploring vegetable-forward dishes, check out these fantastic ideas: Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Conclusion

Making falafel at home is easier than you might think and infinitely more rewarding than store-bought options. This falafel veg recipe brings together wholesome ingredients, fresh herbs, and traditional spices to create a dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

It’s perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone wanting a delicious, protein-packed meal.

Whether you fry or bake, serve falafel with your favorite sides and sauces, and enjoy the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right in your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and pairings to keep your meals exciting.

For more inspiring plant-based recipes, be sure to visit our collection including the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and Slow Cooker Recipes Vegan Easy Meals for Busy Weeknight.

Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade falafel!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Falafel Veg Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and crispy falafel made from fresh vegetables and chickpeas. Perfect as a snack or in a wrap with your favorite toppings.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried chickpeas”, “1 small onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped”, “1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped”, “1 small carrot, grated”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1 tsp ground coriander”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1/4 tsp black pepper”, “1/2 tsp baking powder”, “3 tbsp all-purpose flour”, “Vegetable oil for frying”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak chickpeas overnight in water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain chickpeas and blend with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and carrot until coarse.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into small balls or patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fry falafel until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain on paper towels and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28 g”}}