Chef John’s Falafel

May 15, 2023May 15, 20230 1
Chef John's Falafel - A Middle Eastern Classic with a Crispy Twist
in Appetizer

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

30 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 cup dry garbanzo beans
1/2 yellow onion , diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour , or more as needed
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt , or to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
oil for frying

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
224
Sugar
1g
Fat
13g
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern food that has gained worldwide popularity due to its delicious taste and its vegan and vegetarian-friendly status. This crispy and flavorful dish is typically made with ground chickpeas, onions, garlic, and herbs, giving it an earthy and hearty flavor that can be paired with various dips and sauces. Chef John's Falafel recipe takes it up a notch with a blend of spices and flavors that are sure to excite your taste buds. The cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper add an extra kick of flavor to the crispy garbanzo bean bites, making them a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, pour in the garbanzo beans and add 2 cups of water. Let it soak overnight or for 8 hours.
2.Drain the water from the garbanzo beans and transfer them to a food processor.
3.Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, parsley, flour, lemon juice, salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking soda, and cayenne pepper to the food processor, and pulse until a coarse and chunky mixture is formed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4.Using your hands, form the mixture into small 1-2 inch balls or patties.
5.In a deep fryer or a large frying pan, heat the oil to 375 degrees F. Fry the falafels in batches until golden brown and crispy, for about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel.
6.Serve hot with hummus, tahini sauce, or any of your favorite dips!

PROS

Chef John’s Falafel is a flavor-packed, crispy twist on a traditional Middle Eastern classic.
Chickpeas are packed with protein and fiber, making these falafels a great vegetarian option packed with nutrients.

CONS

This recipe is deep-fried, which makes it high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparing the garbanzo beans the night before can be time-consuming and requires some planning ahead.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Falafel is a nutritious and healthy food, packed with plant-based protein and fiber from the chickpeas, which can help regulate your blood sugar levels and promote satiety and fullness. The aromatic spices used in this recipe like cumin and coriander, have anti-inflammatory properties, and may aid in digestion, among other health benefits.

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