Falafel is a delightful dish, brimming with flavor and texture. When I first fell in love with falafel, I quickly discovered its versatility in a variety of meals. You can serve falafel in many ways. One of my favorite combinations is falafel wrapped in warm pita, nestled beside creamy hummus, fresh veggies, and a handful of crunchy pickles. You can also pair the falafels with Mediterranean salads, enhancing them with a drizzle of tahini. If you’re having a gathering, serving falafel bites on a platter with tahini sauce is a surefire way to impress your guests.
Now, let’s dive into the world of easy vegan falafel.
What is Easy Vegan Falafel?
At its core, easy vegan falafel is a flavorful mixture of chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Unlike traditional recipes that may call for a lengthy ingredient list or complicated cooking methods, this version embraces simplicity. You don’t need culinary skills to master it. In fact, it can be prepared in a matter of minutes if you have your ingredients prepped.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe cranks up the flavor while keeping everything straightforward. One of the standout reasons is the emphasis on fresh ingredients. The combination of herbs like cilantro and parsley, combined with spices such as cumin and coriander, creates a vibrant profile that dances on your taste buds. Adding baking powder gives the falafel a lighter texture, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Each ingredient plays a vital role. The chickpeas provide protein, while the herbs and spices offer not just taste but also a host of health benefits. It’s a dish that caters to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
What You’ll Need to Make This Dish
To whip up your own batch of easy vegan falafel, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you will require:
15 ounces canned chickpeas (drained or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas)
½ teaspoon baking powder (for a fluffier texture)
3 garlic cloves (smashed or minced)
¼ teaspoon ground coriander seed
½ medium onion (roughly chopped)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free twist)
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
⅓ cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (for brightness)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
⅓ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
2 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
For Serving (Optional):
If you’re in the mood for some extra flavor, consider these accompaniments:
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Creamy hummus
Warm pita bread pockets or wraps
Thinly sliced red onion (for crunch)
Pickled cucumbers or turnips, thinly sliced
Drizzle of tahini sauce
Crisp romaine or butter lettuce
How to Make Easy Vegan Falafel
Before we dive headfirst into the steps, know this: making falafel at home is not only rewarding but also a blast. You just need to follow a few simple steps. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
If you’re using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in water. If you’re using canned chickpeas like I often do, rinse and drain them well to remove excess sodium.
Step 2: Part the Ingredients Together
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and spices. Pulse everything until you achieve a coarse mixture, about the texture of coarse sand but not pureed.
Step 3: Mix in the Flour and Baking Powder
In a large bowl, transfer the processed mixture, and sprinkle in the flour and baking powder. Stir until well combined. This will help bind your falafel without making them too dense. Allow the mixture to rest for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Form Your Falafel Balls
With clean hands (and a bit of practice), shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Make sure they are compact, but not too squished. At this point, you can set them on a lined baking sheet as you prepare to fry.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers, but not to the point of smoking.
Step 6: Fry the Falafel
Add the formed falafel into the skillet, ensuring there’s enough space between each ball to prevent sticking. Fry them in batches, about 3-4 at a time, for 5 minutes until golden brown. Make sure to turn them halfway.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Once the falafel are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb some oil. Serve them warm and enjoy the delightful crunch!
Tips
To elevate your falafel-making experience, consider these handy tips:
Don’t skip the resting period: Allowing the mixture to rest helps the flavors meld together, making the falafel even better.
Keep it cold: If your mixture gets too warm while shaping, refrigerate it briefly; it makes it easier to handle.
Watch the oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside might burn while the inside remains raw.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to switch up the spices according to your taste—smoked paprika or sumac add fantastic flavor!
Double the recipe: If you’re planning on sharing (or want leftovers), double the ingredients. Trust me, they go fast!
How to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover falafel, don’t worry! You can easily store them. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. They can be refrigerated for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in a hot skillet. This reheating method brings back that crispy texture!
How Would I Recommend Serving Easy Vegan Falafel?
Want to impress and satisfy? Here are four delicious serving suggestions for your falafel:
1. Falafel Pita Sandwich: Stuff warm pita bread with falafel, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, tahini sauce, and a pinch of salt. It’s a flavor bomb that bursts in your mouth with every bite!
2. Mediterranean Bowl: Create a nourishing bowl by adding falafel on a bed of quinoa or bulgur, topped with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing. It’s like a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen!
3. Falafel Salad: Toss your crispy falafel in a vibrant salad filled with kale or spinach, bell peppers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The crunch and freshness make it an invigorating meal.
4. Snack Platter: Arrange a platter with falafel, pita chips, hummus, tabbouleh, and an assortment of veggies. It’s perfect for sharing during a get-together or just enjoying alone while binge-watching your favorite show!
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?
Sometimes, I find myself running low on certain ingredients. Here are four alternatives you can use:
Chickpeas: If you’re out of chickpeas, black beans work great! They’ll offer a similar consistency and protein content.
Flour: Instead of all-purpose flour, you could use oat flour or chickpea flour to keep it gluten-free and nutritious.
Fresh Herbs: If you don’t have cilantro or parsley, basil or mint can provide a unique twist to your falafel.
Spices: Running low on cumin? Consider using garam masala as a substitute for a different yet delightful flavor profile.
Conclusion
Embarking on the adventure of making easy vegan falafel is not just about the food. It’s about crafting an experience that’s nutritious, delicious, and satisfying. From pairing it with fresh veggies to enjoying it as a standalone appetizer, the possibilities are endless. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create a dish full of flavor and texture.
With crisp exteriors, tender interiors, and a vibrant mix of herbs and spices, these falafels bring the taste of the Middle East into your kitchen. They are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and packed with protein and fiber, making them a wholesome addition to any meal.
So, embrace this age-old dish and give it your personal touch—whether it’s through spices, herbs, or creative serving ideas. With these tips and guidance, you now have everything you need to make homemade falafel that’s both delicious and nourishing. Roll up your sleeves, enjoy the process, and savor every bite!
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Easy Vegan Falafel Recipe – Affordable Food Ideas
Falafel has become a staple food around the globe. It has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, drawing on a rich history of flavors and spices. The dish is typically made from ground chickpeas and herbs, deep-fried to crispy perfection. In my journey to discover delicious and healthy plant-based meals, I stumbled upon a simple recipe for easy vegan falafel that changed my culinary life.
Why include this dish in your meal plan? Because it’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Rich in protein and fiber, falafel fills you up without weighing you down. As a registered dietitian, I always advocate for meals that are not only healthy but also exciting to eat. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s explore together how to make the best easy vegan falafel!
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
-
If you're using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in water. If you’re using canned chickpeas like I often do, rinse and drain them well to remove excess sodium.
Step 2: Part the Ingredients Together
-
In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and spices. Pulse everything until you achieve a coarse mixture, about the texture of coarse sand but not pureed.
Step 3: Mix in the Flour and Baking Powder
-
In a large bowl, transfer the processed mixture, and sprinkle in the flour and baking powder. Stir until well combined. This will help bind your falafel without making them too dense. Allow the mixture to rest for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Form Your Falafel Balls
-
With clean hands (and a bit of practice), shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Make sure they are compact, but not too squished. At this point, you can set them on a lined baking sheet as you prepare to fry.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers, but not to the point of smoking.
Step 6: Fry the Falafel
-
Add the formed falafel into the skillet, ensuring there’s enough space between each ball to prevent sticking. Fry them in batches, about 3-4 at a time, for 5 minutes until golden brown. Make sure to turn them halfway.
Step 7: Drain and Serve
-
Once the falafel are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb some oil. Serve them warm and enjoy the delightful crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 159kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.3g15%
- Saturated Fat 1.2g6%
- Sodium 291mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 16g6%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Don’t skip the resting period: Allowing the mixture to rest helps the flavors meld together, making the falafel even better.
- Keep it cold: If your mixture gets too warm while shaping, refrigerate it briefly; it makes it easier to handle.
- Watch the oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside might burn while the inside remains raw.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to switch up the spices according to your taste—smoked paprika or sumac add fantastic flavor!
- Double the recipe: If you're planning on sharing (or want leftovers), double the ingredients. Trust me, they go fast!
