Crispy Falafel

Crispy falafel are delightful, golden-brown chickpea balls that are packed with flavor and perfect as an appetizer. These vegetarian bites are seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, providing a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas - 150 grams (dry, soaked overnight)
• Onion - 1 small (about 100 grams, roughly chopped)
• Garlic - 2 cloves (minced)
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams (chopped)
• Fresh cilantro - 30 grams (chopped)
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable oil - for frying

Steps

1. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas, then add them to a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pulse the mixture until it is a coarse paste, scraping down the sides as needed. Be careful not to over-process; it should not be smooth.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the flour, and mix until well combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up the mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat (about 180°C or 350°F).
5. Using a spoon or your hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties (about 2.5 cm in diameter).
6. Fry the falafel in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
7. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with tahini sauce, hummus, or in pita bread.

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 38 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein, making it a great vegetarian option.
• Rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety.

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