Falafel (Chickpea Patties)
Crispy, flavorful falafel made from spiced chickpeas and herbs, perfect for a vegetarian meal or snack, served with tahini or in pita sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 (1 lb. 4 oz.) can chickpeas, drained ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 sliced bread, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tahini ⓘ
- flour for coating ⓘ
Instructions
- Grind chickpeas in a meat grinder, blender, or food processor until coarsely ground.
- Add all remaining ingredients and mix well to form a uniform mixture.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 20 balls.
- Roll each ball in flour to coat evenly.
- Flatten each ball slightly and fry in hot oil until browned on both sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a food processor to pulse the chickpeas instead of grinding them. If you don't have tahini, you can substitute with peanut butter or omit it entirely. To enhance flavor, add more spices like paprika or cayenne. Ensure the oil is hot enough to prevent the falafel from absorbing too much oil, achieving that crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions
Serve falafel with warm pita bread and a side of tahini sauce or hummus for dipping. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing Artichoke And Radicchio Salad or a tangy Cucumber Yogurt Soup. Consider adding fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a vibrant meal that complements these chickpea patties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also freeze uncooked falafel balls, then fry them straight from the freezer when needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Falafel (Chickpea Patties) contains roughly 374 calories, with 11g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (108% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1085mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make falafel ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the falafel mixture ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Alternatively, you can shape the falafel and freeze them for later use, cooking them directly from frozen when needed.
What can I serve with falafel?
Falafel is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a Mediterranean platter including hummus, tabbouleh, or roasted vegetables. A drizzle of Romano Yogurt Salad Dressing can add a creamy touch that complements the spices in the falafel.
Can I bake falafel instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the falafel. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and lightly spray with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).