Falafel

Falafel are delicious spicy chickpea balls, typical of Middle Eastern cuisine. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are perfect as an appetizer, snack or accompanied by a light sauce. This recipe is completely lactose-free and suitable for those who follow a vegan diet.

Ingredients

For about 20-25 falafel

• 250g (8.8 oz) dried chickpeas (soaked for 12 hours)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 small onion
• Fresh parsley to taste
• Fresh coriander to taste (optional)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp sweet paprika
• ½ tbsp baking soda
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chickpea flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Preparation

How to make falafel

1. Soak the chickpeas: Leave the dried chickpeas in cold water for at least 12 hours. Drain them well before using them.
2. Prepare the mixture: In a blender, blend the chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley and coriander until you obtain a smooth but not too fine mixture.
3. Add the spices: Combine cumin, paprika, baking soda, salt and pepper. Add the chickpea flour to give compactness to the mixture.
4. Form the falafel: With slightly damp hands, create round or slightly flattened meatballs.
5. Fry: Heat the oil in a pan and fry the falafel for about 5 minutes, until they become golden and crispy.
6. Serve: Enjoy them hot, accompanied by a lactose-free yogurt sauce or hummus.

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Sustainable Tips ♻️

For a lighter and more sustainable version, you can bake the falafel in the oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. If you want to reduce waste, use the leftover aromatic herbs for other preparations or freeze them for future recipes.

Falafel is the perfect meatless meal, reducing your diet’s environmental impact. Learn more at Focus. For an even more sustainable option, buy chickpeas in bulk and use reusable containers to store your ingredients.

Try this recipe and discover the authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine! 🧆🔥