Learn how to make falafel with this easy homemade falafel recipe. It's bursting with zesty fresh fresh flavors, lightly pan-fried (instead of deep-fried), and perfect for falafel wraps, salads and other favorite dishes.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: 5 ingredient, dairy free, vegetarian
Ingredients
1(15-ounce) can chickpeasrinsed and drained
1cupfresh parsley leavestightly-packed
1cupfresh cilantro leavestightly-packed
1/2cupdiced red or yellow onion
1/3cupflour (such as all-purposewhite whole wheat, chickpea, or a 1:1 gluten-free flour)
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
1 1/2teaspoonsbaking powder
1 1/2teaspoonsground cumin
1teaspoonfine sea salt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
6small garlic clovespeeled and roughly chopped
4-6tablespoonshigh-heat oil (such as avocado oilgrapeseed oil or vegetable oil)
for serving: pita breadchopped lettuce, sliced red onions, sliced tomatoes, tzatziki sauce, tahini sauce and/or hummus
Instructions
Add chickpeas, cilantro, parsley, onion, flour, lemon juice, baking powder, cumin, salt, black pepper and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture reaches a coarse crumb texture, stopping partway through to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed. Transfer mixture to a sealed container and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until chilled.
Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on a work surface. Using a spoon or a medium cookie scoop, measure out 2 tablespoons of the dough and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place the ball on the parchment paper, and gently flatten it slightly with your hand so that it is about 1/2-inch thick. Repeat with the remaining dough until all of the falafel disks are prepared.
Heat oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it is shimmering. Carefully transfer 4 or 5 falafel disks to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until both sides of the disk are browned. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining falafel disks, adding extra oil to the pan if need be.
Serve the falafels immediately while they are warm and crispy. Or freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Notes
This recipe requires 10 minutes prep time, plus 1-2 hours time to chill the falafel before cooking.