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Falafel Recipes

Packed with hearty goodness, falafel proves you don't need meat to make a truly satisfying meal. Our falafel recipes are perfect for everything from a light lunch to a balanced, flavour-packed dinner.

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What is Falafel?

What is Falafel?

Falafel is a beloved and iconic dish that hails from the heart of the Middle East. A popular Middle Eastern street food, sold in foodie hotspots such as Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and Israel, where it's the national dish.

These delectable, deep-fried patties are typically made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, sometimes both, seasoned with an aromatic blend of herbs and spices such as coriander, cumin and garlic. They’re a flavourful and satisfying treat with a crispy exterior and a tender, herb-infused interior.

The popularity of falafel is not only down to its delicious taste but also its strong cultural significance, making falafel recipes regularly enjoyed around the world.

How to Make Falafel

How to Make Falafel

Falafel Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas
  • 1/2 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4-6 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
  • Drizzle of oil for frying

Cooking Falafel

  • Soak your chickpeas overnight.
  • When you’re ready to begin making falafel, drain and rinse chickpeas.
  • Blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, spices and baking powder until you have a coarse mixture. If the consistency isn’t exactly as you’d like, you could add a little flour to firm it slightly.
  • Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
  • Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
  • Lift gently from the pan and drain on paper towels.

Falafel can be served fresh from the pan, or left to cool – it’s entirely up to you.

How to Build a Falafel Bowl

How to Build a Falafel Bowl

One of the most popular falafel recipes is a falafel bowl because it has all the delicious flavours of a typical Middle Eastern recipe and is packed with nutrients and goodness.

  • Start your falafel bowl by choosing your falafel, whether you’re using a ready-made falafel or you’re making it from scratch.
  • Assemble a colourful array of fresh and crisp vegetables, such as cucumber, tomato, and red onion, to add a burst of texture and nutrients.
  • Include a generous portion of leafy greens like spinach or kale for a vibrant and wholesome base.
  • Complement the bowl with a dollop of creamy tahini sauce or tzatziki to enhance the overall taste and provide a luscious contrast to the crispy falafel.

Consider adding grains like quinoa or couscous for an extra layer of heartiness. The beauty of a falafel bowl lies in its versatility, allowing you to customise it to your taste preferences while savouring the delightful fusion of flavours and textures in each bite.

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