Easy Vegan Falafel Recipe – Crispy, Flavorful & Healthy

Introduction

Welcome to this easy vegan falafel recipe! Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and then deep-fried until crispy. It’s not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein and nutrients. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make crispy, flavorful, and healthy vegan falafel at home. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is perfect for you. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For this vegan falafel recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups of dried chickpeas

– 1 small onion, roughly chopped

– 4 cloves of garlic

– 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

– 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped

– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

– 1 tablespoon of ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander

– 1 teaspoon of salt

– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

– Vegetable oil, for frying

Steps

Follow these steps to make the perfect vegan falafel:

Easy Vegan Falafel Recipe – Crispy, Flavorful & Healthy

1. Soak the Chickpeas

Start by soaking the dried chickpeas in water overnight. This will help soften them and make them easier to blend.

2. Drain and Rinse the Chickpeas

After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. This will remove any excess starch and make the falafel less dense.

3. Blend the Chickpea Mixture

In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until you have a coarse mixture with some texture.

4. Shape the Falafel

Using your hands, shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties. You can make them any size you prefer, but smaller ones tend to cook more evenly.

5. Fry the Falafel

In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully place the falafel into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Variations

While the classic falafel recipe is made with chickpeas, you can also experiment with different variations:

1. Green Falafel

Replace the parsley and cilantro with spinach or kale for a vibrant green falafel.

2. Sweet Potato Falafel

Add cooked and mashed sweet potatoes to the falafel mixture for a slightly sweeter and softer texture.

3. Beetroot Falafel

Include grated beets in the falafel mixture for a stunning reddish-purple color and a slightly earthy flavor.

Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your vegan falafel turns out perfectly:

– Use dried chickpeas: Canned chickpeas may seem convenient, but dried chickpeas give the best texture and flavor.

– Don’t over-blend: Pulse the mixture in the food processor just until combined. Over-blending can result in a dense and heavy falafel.

– Let the mixture rest: After blending, let the falafel mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to shape.

– Fry in small batches: Fry the falafel in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

Conclusion

Now you have a delicious and easy vegan falafel recipe that you can enjoy anytime. These crispy and flavorful falafel balls are perfect for stuffing into pita bread, serving over a salad, or even enjoying on their own as a snack or easy dinner. Get creative with your toppings and sauces to make your falafel experience even more delightful. Enjoy the homemade goodness of falafel and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

FAQs

1. Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the falafel for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

2. Can I freeze the falafel?

Absolutely! Once the falafel has cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

3. Can I use canned chickpeas?

While it’s possible to use canned chickpeas, the texture and flavor may not be as good as when using dried chickpeas. Canned chickpeas tend to be softer and contain more moisture, which can affect the consistency of the falafel mixture.