Once you’ve had really good falafel, you crave it. This fried chickpea fritter is stuff dreams are made of, stuffed into a flatbread with cool cucumber or tangy tahini sauce. You get the crunch of the fried outside, the soft herby interior, and the sauces that run down your chin and stick to your fingers. Homemade falafel is not quick and easy; it’s a masterpiece that tastes just like your favorite restaurant. Here’s what you need to know about how to make falafel at home!
How to make falafel: an overview!
This recipe is years in the making, like our margherita pizza and sourdough bread. Alex and I have done extensive research and learned from the masters to create this best classic falafel recipe. This recipe is a process, designed to honor the falafel you get at your favorite Middle Eastern restaurant (not replace it!). This is your chance to back out if you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe! Go to our Baked Falafel, Falafel Salad, Raw Falafel Bowls, or Falafel Burger: they’re easier and have similar flavors. Consider yourself warned! Now: here’s the basic outline of what you’re getting yourself into with homemade falafel:
Equipment you need
You’ll need just a few things to make authentic falafel at home! Here’s what you’ll need:
Large food processor: This is essential because it’s what breaks down the dried soaked chickpeas. A blender or small processor just won’t do. (Definitely not a knife!)Food thermometer (optional): It’s nice to have a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil you’re frying in.
Authentic falafel uses dried chickpeas
Authentic falafel uses dried chickpeas. Do not even consider using canned chickpeas or cooked chickpeas in this recipe! Say it with me: I will use DRIED chickpeas! The classic texture that’s fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside comes from using dried chickpeas. Soak these dried chickpeas overnight, or at least 6 hours. This means you’ll have to think ahead. Soaking the chickpeas softens them to a texture where they can be blended into balls. You’ll notice they double in size after soaking. Soaking overnight: that’s inconvenient! you might think. But authentic falafel is not about convenience at all. It’s about pure, delicious flavor. And that’s worth waiting for.
Here’s the texture that the dough should be!
The key to perfect falafel is the consistency of the dough. Blend it too much and the balls will be too dense. Blend it too little and the’ll fall apart when frying. When you process the chickpeas with the herbs and spices, you’ll want a blended and uniform dough. The best way to explain this is by looking at it. Below is what your dough should look like when you’re done blending:
Forming the falafel: it’s not like cookie dough!
Another place where you might trip up: falafel dough feels crumbly and wet. It’s not at all like cookie dough! There’s no gluten or binder, so it doesn’t stick together in the way you’d expect. That’s exactly what you want here. Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes to help it become easier to form. Then form it into balls the size of a ping pong. Pat it firmly so it comes together, but don’t squeeze it so hard that it crumbles. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it once you do a few!
How to fry falafel (most authentic method)
Phew, you’ve made it to the frying step! When fried correctly, the falafel only pick up a bit of the oil. Because falafel are plant-based and healthier than a meat alternative, we still count it as a healthy (ish) recipe! Here are some tips on how to fry falafel:
Use a food thermometer if you have one. This can help you get to the perfect oil temperature (350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit). This method uses 3/4″ of oil in a pan. It’s not deep frying, but it’s legit frying. If that scares you, go to the alternate methods below. Take precautions around hot oil. The pan we used for frying was non-stick, so the oil didn’t bubble at all. Don’t be surprised: it might not look hot, but it is! Take necessary precautions (that is, don’t let your kiddos near it, etc)Drop in balls carefully, then fry until brown and crispy. With the correct oil temperature, the falafel come out crispy, not oily.
Alternate method 1: Skillet fried falafel
If frying scares you, try skillet frying instead! The main difference here is that it uses 6 tablespoons of oil instead of ¾ inch. It’s more like sauteing each surface than frying. This method is nice if you don’t have a food thermometer. Here’s what to know about this method:
It makes disc shapes, not balls. Because you’ll only be cooking two sides, you’ll have to flatten the balls into discs. If you want the authentic ball shape, you’ll need to use the main frying method. Continue to cover the bottom of the pan with oil for each new batch.
Alternate method 2: Baked falafel
Baked falafel is not a traditional way to make it. The flavor and texture are not quite the same. But if you prefer not frying, this is your method! Here’s what to know about baked falafel:
It doesn’t get nearly as crispy as the fried method, as you might guess. But it’s still tasty!It makes disc shapes, not balls. You can only get two sides browned in the oven method, so you’ll have to flatten the balls into discs just like skillet frying. They look a little less authentic but they still taste good!
Ways to serve falafel
Got those beautiful, crispy balls? Good! Here’s the best part: serving it! You can serve falafel as an appetizer with a dip, in a falafel sandwich, or on a fresh falafel salad. (One of Alex and my top food experiences of all time is the falafel sandwich at L’As du Falafel in Paris. Transcendental!) Here are our best falafel sauces and accompaniments:
Cucumber Sauce or Tzatziki: This Tzatziki or Quick Cucumber Sauce is easy to whip up while you’re waiting for the dough to chill. Dill Sauce: Try this Dill Sauce or Lemon Dill Sauce for an herby option. Tahini Sauce: Easy Tahini Sauce or Tahini Dressing are creamy and tangy.Cilantro Sauce: Falafel can also be served with a green cilantro sauce like Creamy Cilantro Sauce (vegan) or Creamy Cilantro Dressing. Flatbread: Often it’s served in a pita pocket, but we think best way is wrapped in a soft flatbread. Try our Easy Flatbread Recipe if you’re really looking to impress! Also add crunchy veggies like lettuce, tomato and red onion.Other ideas: Hummus makes a nice contrast. Harissa is good too; our best restaurant falafel featured this as part of the messy sandwich.
What to sides pair it with? Add Quinoa Tabbouleh or Greek Fries!
This recipe is…
Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free. No reviews *Alternate option 2: Bake the falafel: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Shape the falafel into discs as noted above. Place the discs on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown.
