Delicious , crispy Falafel Bites 30-Minute Recipe
A simple and authentic recipe for crispy falafel bites made from dried, soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices.
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.