Falafel
Among all the delectable options to stuff between bread, falafel stands out as one of our favorites. With its crispy texture and perfect blend of spices, it offers a versatile and vegan protein boost that we love to incorporate into our recipes time and time again. While nothing beats the convenience of grabbing a falafel sandwich from your favorite joint, our homemade falafel is incredibly easy to make at home and might just rival the flavors of your go-to spot.
Ingredients
FOR THE FALAFELS
- 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, drained
- 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 shallot, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
FOR YOGURT SAUCE
- 1/2 c. Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. freshly chopped dill
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
FOR TAHINI SAUCE
- 1/2 c. tahini
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. warm water (plus more as needed)
- Kosher salt
FOR SERVING
- Pitas
- Chopped lettuce
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
Instructions
- In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine chickpeas, garlic, shallot, parsley, cumin, coriander, and flour and season with salt and pepper. Pulse until mixture is coarse and mealy—do not over blend!
- Form mixture into falafel balls about 2" in diameter, squeezing to compact. Transfer to chill in the refrigerator while oil heats.
- In a pot, heat 1” vegetable oil until a drop of water added to the oil sizzles and pops.
- Fry falafels until golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season immediately with salt.
- To make yogurt sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, oil, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
- To make tahini sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and warm water. Season with salt. (If you prefer a thinner sauce, whisk in more warm water 1 tablespoon at a time.)
- Serve falafels in pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber and drizzle with either sauce.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!