Quick and Easy Chickpea Falafel
Discover the delightful flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this Quick and Easy Chickpea Falafel recipe. This simplified version delivers the authentic taste of falafel without the hassle of soaking and grinding dried chickpeas. Perfect for a light lunch or an afternoon snack, these crispy, golden balls are made with pantry staples and can be ready in under 30 minutes. Serve them in pita bread, on a salad, or enjoy them on their own with your favorite dipping sauce for a wholesome, plant-based treat.
4
Servings
175
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chickpeas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Fresh Parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cumin
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Canola Oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, minced garlic, chopped onion, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper (to taste).
2
Add the flour to the mixture and stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3
Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the chickpeas until you achieve a thick and cohesive paste, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. For a smoother texture, you may use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process.
4
Scoop out the mixture and form it into small balls, approximately the size of ping pong balls. Slightly flatten each ball for even cooking.
5
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the falafel balls in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6
Fry the falafel for 2 to 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quick and Easy Chickpea Falafel recipe?
It is a simplified version of traditional Middle Eastern falafel that uses canned chickpeas instead of dried ones, allowing it to be ready in under 30 minutes.
Do I need to soak the chickpeas overnight?
No, this recipe uses one 15-ounce can of drained chickpeas, eliminating the need for soaking.
How many servings does this falafel recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this falafel?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving.
Is this falafel recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a plant-based, vegetarian-friendly dish.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 7.5 grams of protein.
What spices are needed for the authentic falafel taste?
The recipe uses ground coriander, ground cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Can I use a food processor to mash the chickpeas?
Yes, you can use a food processor for a smoother texture, but be careful not to over-process the mixture.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying falafel?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying.
How long do the falafel balls need to fry?
They should be fried for 2 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What size should I make the falafel balls?
The mixture should be formed into small balls approximately the size of ping pong balls.
Should I flatten the falafel balls before frying?
Yes, slightly flattening each ball ensures even cooking in the frying pan.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains about 7.5 grams of fat.
What are the suggested serving methods for falafel?
You can serve them in pita bread, on a salad, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
How much fiber does one serving provide?
Each serving provides 5 grams of fiber.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Canola oil is recommended for frying these falafels.
How much carbohydrate is in this recipe?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fresh parsley is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine drained chickpeas, minced garlic, chopped onion, and spices in a medium bowl.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Is there any sugar in this falafel recipe?
No, this recipe contains zero sugar.
What equipment do I need to mash the chickpeas if I don't have a food processor?
You can use a standard fork or a potato masher to achieve a thick and cohesive paste.
How much oil should I put in the pan?
You should heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan.
What should I do after the falafels are done frying?
Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels before serving.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
The nutritional data indicates no cholesterol in this recipe.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 9 total ingredients including the oil for frying.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One medium onion should be finely chopped.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.