Crispy Falafel with Tahini (Printable)
Golden, herb-spiced chickpea patties fried crisp and paired with creamy tahini sauce for a flavorful bite.
# What You Need:
→ Falafel
01 - 1.5 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
02 - 1 small onion, chopped
03 - 4 garlic cloves
04 - 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
05 - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
12 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
13 - Vegetable oil, for frying
→ Tahini Sauce
14 - 1/2 cup tahini
15 - 1/4 cup cold water
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 garlic clove, minced
18 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ To Serve (optional)
19 - Pita bread or flatbread
20 - Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce
21 - Pickled turnips
# How To Cook:
01 - Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas, then pat them dry thoroughly.
02 - Combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand and holds together when squeezed, avoiding over-processing.
03 - Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then stir in the baking powder and flour until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
04 - Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
05 - With wet hands or using a falafel scoop, form the mixture into balls or small patties about 1.5 inches wide.
06 - Fry falafel in batches, turning occasionally, until deep golden and crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
07 - Whisk tahini, cold water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt together until smooth and creamy, adjusting water to reach desired consistency.
08 - Serve falafel hot, drizzled with tahini sauce, accompanied by pita and assorted vegetables as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- This falafel recipe gives you that perfect crunchy outside with a tender, flavorful inside - your secret weapon for any gathering.
- The homemade tahini sauce adds a creamy, tangy touch that feels like a warm hug on every bite.
02 -
- Over-processing the chickpeas can lead to dense falafel, so pulse until just combined.
- Refrigerating the mixture firms it up, making frying easier and results crispier.
03 -
- Use cold water for your tahini sauce to prevent it from seizing up and to keep it silky smooth.
- Frying in the right temperature oil is crucial; too cool and you get greasy falafel, too hot and they burn outside before cooking through.