Embark on a journey to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine with Crispy Clouds of Falafel, where the humble chickpea transforms into a culinary wonder. These golden-brown balls are a harmonious blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, fried to perfection. Each bite is a crunchy explosion of flavors, making falafel a beloved street food and a versatile vegetarian staple worldwide.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 8 hours (including chickpea soaking)
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4 people
- Serving Size: 5 falafel balls
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fiber: 9 g
Ingredients
- Dried chickpeas, soaked overnight: 250 grams (8.8 ounces / 0.55 pounds)
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 30 grams (1 ounce / 0.066 pounds)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: 30 grams (1 ounce / 0.066 pounds)
- Garlic cloves, minced: 15 grams (0.5 ounce / 0.033 pounds)
- Onion, finely chopped: 100 grams (3.5 ounces / 0.22 pounds)
- Ground cumin: 5 grams (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Ground coriander: 5 grams (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Salt: 5 grams (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Baking soda: 2 grams (0.07 ounces / 0.004 pounds)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Chickpea Preparation: Drain and rinse soaked chickpeas. Pat dry.
- Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, and salt. Process until mixture is finely ground.
- Resting: Let the mixture rest for 1 hour in the fridge. Stir in baking soda before shaping.
- Shaping Falafel: Shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan. Fry falafel in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Draining: Remove falafel and drain on paper towels.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Soaking the chickpeas overnight is crucial for the right texture.
- Avoid over-processing the mixture to keep some texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?
It's best to use dried chickpeas, as canned chickpeas can be too moist and may fall apart when frying.
How can I make falafel without a deep fryer?
You can fry them in a pan with enough oil to cover the falafel halfway.
Can falafel be baked instead of fried?
Yes, for a healthier version, you can bake them at 200°C (390°F) until crispy, though they won't be as crunchy as the fried version.