How to make homemade falafel?

Straight from the Middle East, falafels are small fried balls made from chickpeas that are all the rage with vegetarians all over the world, and not only that! Recipes, tips, and advice, we reveal everything to prepare these little oriental meatballs that are as filling as they are tasty.

Falafel is a Near Eastern preparation in the form of fried balls, traditionally made from crushed chickpeas or beans, garlic, herbs and spices. Convenient to eat and easy to take, falafels have become an emblem of street food in all Middle Eastern countries, but also a very popular dish in the United States and several European countries. In France, for example, there are many legendary places that serve these precious meatballs, particularly in the Marais district of Paris.

Origin of falafel

The exact origin of falafel is not known to this day and is often debated. Many believe the recipe was probably invented in Egypt at the beginning of the 11th century, before being imported to neighboring countries in the Middle East.

To read: 17 mezze recipes for a Lebanese aperitif to die for

Homemade falafel recipe

Today, several falafel recipes exist, even if the preparation technique always remains essentially the same. In terms of ingredients, a traditional falafel is made from chickpeas or beans (sometimes even both), garlic, fresh parsley and coriander, and spices such as cumin or paprika.

Before starting to prepare your falafels, it is imperative to soak the chickpeas or beans in a large quantity of water for at least 12 hours. Once your legumes have swelled, dry them to prevent them from crumbling during cooking.

We start by mixing together the chickpeas with onion, garlic, flour, salt and spices of your choice, until you obtain a consistency close to semolina. Add parsley and/or coriander, and mix one last time, before leaving to rest for 1 hour under a cloth. Then, we form small balls, which we immerse in frying oil heated to 180°C. All you have to do is wait until your falafels are golden brown before draining them on absorbent paper.

It is entirely possible to cook your falafels in the oven, on an oiled baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes. Don’t forget, however, to turn them over halfway through.

What side dish to serve with homemade falafel

Falafels can be accompanied by all kinds of sauces and toppings, and can be served as a salad or as a main course. They are often found alongside a tahini sauce with sesame cream, or a tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt. Very popular with vegetarians, falafels also make excellent toppings with raw vegetables in sandwiches in pita bread or rolled into wraps. They are sometimes used as a meat substitute in hamburgers or even as a topping on veggie pizzas. Finally, falafels go perfectly with hummus, eggplant caviar or even tabbouleh for those with a sweet tooth. To be continued: 21 homemade falafel recipes that are delicious!

Falafel and matcha tahini sauce

The real nice surprise of this recipe? The tahini sauce with matcha powder that accompanies the falafels.

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Falafel pita sandwiches, tahini sauce

What’s better than the traditional combo of pita, falafel and tahini sauce? For even more freshness, add cucumber, gherkins and a few cut tomatoes.

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Baked vegan falafel

These chickpea falafels are covered with homemade breadcrumbs made from pumpkin seeds and golden sesame. A healthy 100% vegan recipe.

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Falafel burgers

Why not slide your homemade falafels between two buns for a 100% vegetarian hamburger?

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Falafel salad, quinoa, butternut squash and marinated beets

How can you resist this quinoa and falafel salad? A healthy pleasure for the pupils and taste buds.

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Butternut squash falafel with maple syrup tahini sauce

With their tahini sauce and maple syrup, these butternut squash falafels will please everyone.

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Falafel wraps

We think of naan bread for a 100% vegetarian wrap with rice, falalels and vegetables. A simple and original recipe.

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Classic falafels in the air fryer

If you have an air fryer, it is entirely possible to use it to fry your falafels, once the chickpea balls are formed. Leave for 10 minutes at 190°C, before turning them over for 5 more minutes. They will still be just as tasty, and even healthier.

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Falafel salad, roasted squash and hummus

A complete 100% vegetarian dish made with falafel, red cabbage, hummus and roasted squash.

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Giant Pan Falafel

Are you a falafel fan? Take it to the next level with this giant falafel recipe.

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Falafel burgers and yogurt sauce

At the heart of these vegetarian burgers are hidden delicious chickpea and carrot falafels, covered in a yogurt, lemon juice and garlic sauce. To fall.

Discover the recipe here