How to Make the Best Homemade Falafel Recipe

Hey there, foodie friend! I’m Milan and today I’m super excited to bring you something different, tasty, and packed with protein – the homemade falafel recipe. This one has become a global favorite, and once you try it, you’ll know why! It’s crunchy on the outside, soft and herby inside, and believe me—it’s way better than store-bought.

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What is Falafel?

Falafel is a deep-fried ball (or patty) made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It’s originally from the Middle East but has fans worldwide, especially among vegetarians and vegans. It’s healthy-ish, gluten-free, protein-rich, and can be served in so many ways—from wraps to salads to snack plates.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (not canned!)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 1 cup fresh parsley (or mix with cilantro)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red chili powder (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour)
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Falafel Recipe (No Shortcuts, Yaar!)

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

Take 1 cup of dried chickpeas and soak them overnight (or at least 12 hours). Canned chickpeas won’t give the same texture, trust me. Drain them well before using.

Step 2: Blend the Mixture

In a food processor, add soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices. Don’t make it a paste—it should be coarse and grainy. You want to see bits of chickpeas and herbs. Pulse, don’t puree!

Step 3: Rest the Mixture

Transfer it to a bowl, add baking soda and flour, mix gently. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour (minimum). This helps the mixture bind better and stay together while frying.

Step 4: Shape the Falafel

Wet your hands a bit and form small balls or patties from the mixture. If they feel crumbly, add a little more flour. But don’t go crazy—it shouldn’t feel like dough.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan. The oil should be hot but not smoking. Drop a small falafel to test—if it floats up and sizzles, it’s ready. Fry in batches till golden brown, turning occasionally. Each batch takes around 4-5 minutes.

How to Serve Falafel

• In a Pita Pocket: Stuff it with salad, falafel, hummus, and tahini sauce.
• On a Platter: Serve with pickles, olives, and dips for a party snack.
• In a Bowl: Combine with quinoa, veggies, and dressing for a healthy lunch.

Pro Tips from Milan

• Don’t use canned chickpeas—they’ll fall apart in oil.
• Add a little lemon zest if you want a fresh zing.
• Too dry? Add a spoon of water. Too wet? Add more flour.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—falafels need their space to dance in oil!

A Bit of History (Let’s Nerd Out!)

Falafel is believed to have originated in Egypt, as a Coptic Christian food substitute during Lent. It spread across the Middle East and became a cultural favorite. Today, it’s a global icon of vegetarian street food. Cool, right?

Why You’ll Love Homemade Falafel

• Way fresher and more flavorful than frozen falafel.
• No weird preservatives or hidden dairy.
• You can adjust the spices exactly the way you like it.
• Super satisfying when dipped in creamy hummus or garlic sauce.

FAQs

Can I air-fry or bake falafel?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 mins, turning halfway. Or air-fry at 180°C for 12-15 mins. But pan-frying gives the best crunch.

How long can I store falafel?

Uncooked mixture can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Fried falafel can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven.

Can I freeze falafel?

Absolutely. Shape and freeze them raw. Fry directly from frozen (a bit longer), or bake them.

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Not really ideal. Blenders tend to over-puree. Borrow a processor if you can, yaar!

Final Thoughts from My Kitchen

If you’ve never tried making falafel at home, today’s your day! It’s affordable, healthy, filling, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, once you master this, the snack world is your oyster. So try it, tweak it, and share it with friends. And hey—don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @khanakhzana2025 and visit khanakhzana.com for more cozy, heartwarming recipes. Bon Appetit!