Delicious , crispy Falafel Bites 30-Minute Recipe

A beloved street food and a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, falafel offers the perfect combination of a satisfying crunch and a light, flavorful interior. This crispy falafel bites recipe brings all the authentic taste and texture of your favorite restaurant-style falafel to your home kitchen. Made from soaked chickpeas and fresh herbs, this versatile dish is surprisingly simple to make and is perfect for a wrap, a bowl, or as a delicious appetizer.

What are Falafel Bites?

Falafel bites are small, deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas (or sometimes fava beans), fresh herbs, and spices. The unique texture of authentic falafel comes from using dried, uncooked chickpeas that have been soaked overnight, rather than canned chickpeas, which can lead to a mushy consistency. Falafel is a naturally vegan and gluten-free dish that is a popular protein alternative. Falafel bites can be eaten directly, as a falafel sandwich, or as a falafel taco.

Ingredients for Your Falafel Bites

For the Falafel

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked in cold water overnight (do not use canned)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, packed
• 1/4 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For Serving

• Tahini sauce
• Pita bread
• Diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce

How to Prepare Your Falafel Bites

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas thoroughly and pat them dry. They should still be firm and raw.
2. Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, mealy texture. Be careful not to over-blend it into a smooth paste. The mixture for these falafel bites should feel a little crumbly.
3. Form the Bites: Stir the baking soda into the mixture. Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-inch in diameter.
4. Fry the Falafel: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the falafel bites into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Serve: Remove the falafel from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with tahini sauce and your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect Falafel Bites

• Don’t Use Canned Chickpeas: Using dried, soaked chickpeas is the secret to a light, fluffy interior. Canned chickpeas contain too much moisture and will cause your falafel bites to fall apart.
• The Right Texture is Key: The falafel mixture should be coarse and crumbly, not smooth. This helps create that delightful, fluffy interior.
• Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, bake the falafel bites at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They won’t be as crispy, but they will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This falafel bites recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy this delicious and healthy Middle Eastern staple. With a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful inside, these bites are the perfect addition to a salad, a sandwich, or simply enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack.

Delicious , crispy Falafel Bites 30-Minute Recipe

foodifa

A simple and authentic recipe for crispy falafel bites made from dried, soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Falafel

• 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked in cold water overnight (do not use canned)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro packed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley packed
• 1/4 small yellow onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• Vegetable oil for frying

For Serving

• Tahini sauce
• Pita bread
• Diced tomatoes cucumbers, and lettuce

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas thoroughly and pat them dry. They should still be firm and raw.
• Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, mealy texture. Be careful not to over-blend it into a smooth paste. The mixture for these falafel bites should feel a little crumbly.
• Form the Bites: Stir the baking soda into the mixture. Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-inch in diameter.
• Fry the Falafel: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the falafel bites into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
• Serve: Remove the falafel from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with tahini sauce and your favorite toppings.

Notes

The overnight soaking of the chickpeas is a crucial step and is not included in the total time.

Keyword chickpea recipe, Falafel bites, falafel recipe, Middle Eastern food, vegetarian falafel