Go Back
–+ servings

Easy Authentic Middle Eastern Falafel

This easy authentic Middle Eastern Falafel is the only falafel recipe you'll ever need! I grew up eating falafel and have been making them for years, this is the best version I've made, so I decided it finally needs its own blog post.
5 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Soak time 12 hours
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine middle eastern
Servings 14
Calories 98 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 250g dried chickpeas*
  • 3-4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 onion quartered
  • 30g fresh coriander
  • 30g fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 3-4 tbsp olive oil for frying
  • optional egg* see notes

Instructions
 

  • Add the chickpeas to a large bowl and cover with water. Leave to soak for at least 12 hours.
  • Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then add to a food processor along with the garlic, onion and fresh herbs. Blend until you have a crumb like consistency (don't over blend or your falafel will turn out chewy and dense).
  • Add the spices, baking powder and salt & pepper. Pulse again until everything is combined.
  • Shape into balls, I used an ice cream scoop to scoop out even amounts per falafel.
  • Gently flatten into patties on the palm of your hand. Heat the olive oil in a pan over a medium heat.
  • Carefully add the falafel to your pan and cook on each side for 3-4 minutes. Remove once golden brown on both sides.
  • Best served warm!
  • Air fryer option - air fry for 20 minutes, turning half way through, or until golden brown on both sides.

Notes

* Canned chickpeas WON'T work for this recipe. 
* This is not traditional, but a couple of readers have mentioned difficulty with getting the mixture to bind together. I have never had this issue before and have made falafel countless time. However, if you do find yourself struggling with getting the mixture to hold, an easy fix is to add 1 egg to help it all come together. 

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 40mgPotassium: 199mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 383IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chickpeas, easy meals, easy snack, healthy snack, middle eastern recipes, vegan food, vegan main meals
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!