Falafel has become popular among vegetarians and vegans as an alternative to meat-based street foods, often used to make veggie burgers. It has become more widely used as a source of protein. Just like the beetroot cutlets or the vada pav this is yet another popular recipe on the blog.
Other chickpeas recipes on the blog are
Falafel is a fried ball, or a flat or doughnut-shaped patty, made from ground chickpeas or fava beans or both. Herbs, spices, and onion are added to the dough. These fritters are found around the world as they are a popular vegetarian cuisine. Falafel balls are commonly served with Tahini and pita bread.
This middle eastern dish is popularly fried balls made from chickpeas or fava beans. I tried a bit healthy version by not frying but grilling it on a panini press using minimum oil. These therefore look like patties. They are incomplete without the favourite Tahini sauce (dip). We enjoy them both as an appetizer or as a main meal along with the pita pockets. Another popular dip hummus is also an alternative with these is on the blog.
Falafel are power packed with protein and lots of herbs. They are so very flavourful and delicious. My house smells aroma after cooking them!!
Let’s check the recipe in detail
Falafel
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpeas (home cooked ) or canned
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- A few leaves of cilantro
- 1 onion (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp Cayenne
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Salt to taste
- 2 bread slices or 1 spoon gram flour
- Sesame seeds for rolling
Instructions
- Put all these ingredients in a food processor and blend it to make a bit of coarse paste.
- Add 2 bread slices to give it a binding and blend it again.
- You get a nice aromatic dough. Now roll them into lemon sized balls. (For frying use the balls as it is.)
- Roll them on sesame seeds to give it a nice crunch with every bite.
- For panini press we do not press the balls as when we shut the press these balls squeeze and turn to patties.
- Preheat your panini press and brush a little bit of oil on it.
- Place your falafel balls on it and shut it gently.
- After about 3-4 minutes open the press and flip the patties and brush a little bit of oil again on the patties and shut it again. Cook it evenly from both sides until golden brown and crisp. It takes about 7-8 minutes for them to cook nice and crisp from both sides.
- These beautifully cooked patties are ready to serve!
Notes
- They are typically served with Tahini sauce(dip) and sandwiched between pita pockets with the dip, and red onions.
- If you want fried falafel balls then follow until step 4 and deep fry them next.
Do try other appetizers and snacks on the blog links below
Nutrition Facts
Falafel is made from chickpeas which is high in fiber and a great source of protein. They contain a high amount of Iron, magnesium vitamin B and folate. The spices in it are a great antioxidants and can help in fighting blood sugar levels.
If you like and try this recipe do write reviews in the comment section below.
You can also email me at veggie.bites.2020@gmail.com
For latest updates on veggie.bites follow veggie.bites on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest