How To Make The Best Falafel

A Mediterranean diet staple is falafel. At DonerG, we offer falafel as one of your protein options when you create your DonerG plate.

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern fast food made from a mixture of chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs, and spices formed into small patties or balls. It is believed to have originated in Egypt when Coptic Christians looked for a hearty replacement for meat during long seasons of fasting or Lent. Today, falafel is also a popular vegan food throughout Egypt and the Middle East.

Falafel continues to be a daily street food in Egypt and can be found from street vendors in almost every neighborhood. It is often served in sandwich form with tahini sauce, Mediterranean salad, and sometimes roasted or fried eggplant.

This vegan dish is made with simple everyday ingredients and is surprisingly easy to prepare. Using high-quality spices like cumin and coriander will help create the best flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (do NOT use canned or cooked chickpeas)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, stems removed
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, stems removed
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 7–8 garlic cloves, peeled
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl and cover with water by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 16–18 hours. Drain completely and pat dry.
2. Add the chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, and spices to a food processor. Pulse until well combined and a coarse mixture forms.
3. Transfer the mixture to a container, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
4. Before frying, mix in the baking powder and sesame seeds.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and form into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Wet hands can help prevent sticking.
6. Heat oil in a saucepan about 3 inches deep over medium-high heat. Carefully drop the patties into the oil and fry for 3–5 minutes until crispy and medium brown. Fry in batches if needed.
7. Place fried falafel on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve hot on a plate or inside pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato, and cucumbers.