Crispy Middle-Eastern Falafel Bites
Enjoy the irresistible crunch of these Crispy Middle-Eastern Falafel Bites, perfect for a satisfying lunch or as a delicious snack. These falafels are made from dried garbanzo beans, which are soaked, blended with fresh herbs and spices, and then fried to perfection. With a flavor profile that combines the warmth of cumin, the zestiness of garlic, and the freshness of cilantro and parsley, these bites are sure to be a crowd favorite. Serve them plain or in a pita with your favorite toppings for a delightful meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried garbanzo beans
450 g (Soaked overnight in water)
Garlic cloves
3 (Crushed)
Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Coriander powder
2 teaspoons (None)
Black pepper (ground)
1 teaspoon (None)
Cumin powder
2 teaspoons (None)
Onion
1 (Chopped)
Spring onions
4 (Chopped)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Salt
To taste (None)
Vegetable oil
For frying (Heated)
Red chili powder
To garnish (optional) (None)
Parsley
1 bunch (Chopped (substitute for cilantro if needed))
Instructions
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1. Begin by soaking the dried garbanzo beans in plenty of water overnight. This will help them soften and prepare for blending.
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2. After soaking, drain the beans well and transfer them to a food processor.
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3. Add the garlic cloves, chopped onion, and parsley (or cilantro) to the food processor.
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4. Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse blend. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture.
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5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the processed mixture with the baking soda, coriander powder, ground black pepper, cumin powder, chopped spring onions, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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6. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; this will help it hold its shape while frying.
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7. Using wet hands, scoop out a dessert spoonful of the mixture and shape it into a patty about 4 cm in diameter.
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8. In a wok or deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure there's enough oil for deep frying each falafel.
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9. Carefully drop the shaped falafel patties into the hot oil in batches, frying them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 4-5 minutes.
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10. Once cooked, remove the falafels and allow them to drain on paper towels.
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11. If desired, sprinkle with red chili powder for added heat before serving.
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12. These falafels can be served on their own or stuffed in a sandwich with tahini sauce, fresh tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, and whole green chilies for an amazing taste experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Middle-Eastern Falafel Bites?
They are traditional Middle-Eastern snacks made from soaked dried garbanzo beans blended with herbs and spices, then deep-fried until golden and crunchy.
Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for dried garbanzo beans soaked overnight to achieve the correct texture; canned beans may be too soft.
How long should I soak the dried garbanzo beans?
The beans should be soaked in plenty of water overnight to ensure they are soft enough for blending.
What herbs provide the flavor in these falafels?
Fresh parsley and cilantro are used to give the falafel its signature green interior and fresh taste.
What spices are used in the falafel mixture?
The recipe uses a blend of coriander powder, ground black pepper, and cumin powder.
Why is baking soda included in the recipe?
Baking soda is added to the mixture to help the falafel achieve a lighter, fluffier texture on the inside.
Should the falafel mixture be a smooth paste?
No, you should pulse the ingredients until they become a coarse blend, maintaining some texture rather than over-processing into a paste.
How long does the falafel mixture need to refrigerate?
The mixture should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before frying.
Why is refrigeration necessary before frying?
Chilling the mixture helps the falafel patties hold their shape better when they are dropped into the hot oil.
How do I shape the falafel patties?
Using wet hands, scoop out a dessert spoonful of the mixture and shape it into a patty approximately 4 cm in diameter.
What is the best way to cook these falafels?
They should be deep-fried in vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat.
How long does it take to fry each falafel?
Each batch takes approximately 4 to 5 minutes to become golden brown and crispy.
What should I do with the falafels once they are cooked?
Remove them from the oil and allow them to drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Is this falafel recipe spicy?
The base recipe is mild, but you can sprinkle red chili powder over the finished falafels for added heat.
Are these falafel bites vegan?
Yes, this recipe contains no animal products and is suitable for a vegan diet.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
A neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point is best for deep frying these bites.
How do I serve Crispy Middle-Eastern Falafel Bites?
They can be served plain, as a snack, or stuffed into pita bread with toppings like tahini sauce, tomatoes, and pickled cucumbers.
Can I substitute parsley for cilantro?
Yes, the recipe allows for substituting cilantro with parsley if you prefer that flavor profile.
What kind of onions are used in the mix?
The recipe uses both regular chopped onions in the food processor and chopped spring onions mixed in later.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the optional red chili powder garnish.
What texture should the final product have?
The falafel should be very crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful on the inside.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option because it is made from nutrient-rich chickpeas and fresh herbs.
Can I make these falafels ahead of time?
You can prepare and refrigerate the mixture in advance, then fry them fresh when ready to serve.
What happens if I over-process the beans?
If the mixture is too smooth, the falafel may become dense or mushy rather than having the desired crumbly texture.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 crushed garlic cloves.
Are these falafels gluten-free?
Based on the listed ingredients, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or breadcrumbs.
What size should the pan be for frying?
A wok or a deep pan is recommended to ensure there is enough depth for deep frying.
Can I add other vegetables to the sandwich?
Yes, serving them with fresh tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, and whole green chilies is highly recommended.
How much dried garbanzo beans do I need?
You will need 450 grams of dried garbanzo beans.
What is the role of salt in this recipe?
Salt is added to taste to enhance the flavors of the herbs and spices in the chickpea mixture.