Crispy, Savory Falafel Recipe in Minutes
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy the delicious taste of Middle Eastern cuisine? Look no further than my Cheat’s Falafel recipe! This recipe takes only 30 minutes and uses canned chickpeas, making it an easy and accessible way to add some excitement to your dinner routine.
I know what it’s like to be busy and short on time, but that shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor or quality in your meals. That’s why I’ve crafted this recipe with shortcuts, without compromising on taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, my Cheat’s Falafel recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow. Plus, it’s a great alternative to meat-based dishes for those who want to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.
So what are you waiting for? Gather up your ingredients and let’s get started on making some amazing oven-baked falafel with crispy breadcrumbs and herbs. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, easy and healthy meal that doesn’t require hours of prep work? Look no further than this Cheat’s Falafel recipe.
Not only does it take just 30 minutes to make, but it’s also vegan and gluten-free, meaning that everyone can enjoy it. Using canned chickpeas and a food processor or hand-held blender, this recipe is a fuss-free way of whipping up homemade falafel.
But why should you choose this particular falafel recipe over the countless others out there? Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love it:
Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve the falafels in wraps, as part of a crispy salad, or with flatbread and hummus – the possibilities are endless. And, because they’re baked in the oven rather than deep-fried, they’re a healthier option too.
Secondly, the combination of ingredients in this recipe is truly delicious. The blend of herbs, garlic breadcrumbs and sesame oil creates a savory taste that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Lastly, this cheat’s falafel recipe gives you an authentic Middle Eastern taste without having to spend time soaking chickpeas or dealing with difficult-to-find ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you will be able to recreate the magic of traditional falafels in no time.
So why not give this Cheat’s Falafel recipe a try? Not only will your taste buds thank you for it, but your body will too with its nutritional benefits. It’s worth giving a go!
Ingredient List
Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you need to make my cheat’s falafel recipe:
For the falafels:
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp curry paste
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- sesame seeds (for coating)
- sesame oil (for greasing)
For the tahini dressing:
- 2 tbsp tahini paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
For the crispy falafel salad:
- Mixed greens
- Cucumber slices
- Diced tomatoes
- Falafels (recipe below)
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty and make this Cheat’s Falafel a reality. This recipe is super easy and won’t take more than 30 minutes to put together. Plus, all the ingredients can be easily found at your local grocery store. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp of parsley
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1 tsp of sesame seeds
- 1 tsp of curry paste
- 1 tsp of soy sauce
- breadcrumbs, herbs, sesame oil (all as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Drain and rinse the chickpeas in a colander.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients and Pulse in the Food Processor
In a food processor or blender, mix the chickpeas, diced onion, garlic cloves, parsley, baking soda, sesame seeds, curry paste and soy sauce until smooth. Add breadcrumbs, herbs and sesame oil until mixture comes together in a ball.
Step 3: Shape Patties & Bake
Using damp hands to avoid sticking, shape the mixture into small patties about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through so that they are crispy on both sides.
Variations & Substitutions
If you want to get creative with your falafel recipe, there are lots of variations and substitutions you can try:
- Use soaked chickpeas instead of canned chickpeas for an even fresher taste.
- Try using different types of falafel based on what suits your preferences.
- If you don’t have a food processor handy, you can also use a hand-held blender.
- You could turn these falafels into falafel wraps, topping them off with tahini dressing or garlic tahini sauce.
- Make a crispy falafel salad by pairing them with cucumbers and tomatoes!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These falafels are perfect for meal prep because they keep well in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat them after refrigeration or freezing, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips to help ensure your Cheat’s Falafels turn out perfectly every time:
- Not drizzling oil over the tray of falafels before baking will result in dry falafels.
- Add enough breadcrumbs to form a firm mixture that holds its shape well but isn’t too heavy.
- Don’t over-process the mixture or it will become
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to make this easy cheats falafel recipe your own. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Cucumber: If you’re not a fan of cucumber, feel free to leave it out or substitute with another veggie such as shredded carrots, sliced radishes or red onions.
– Curry Paste and Soy Sauce: You can use different types of curry paste or replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari.
– Parsley: Swap parsley with cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile.
– Chickpeas: Instead of canned chickpeas, you can use soaked chickpeas, but make sure to cook them before blitzing them in the food processor. You can also try using other legumes like black beans, kidney beans or lentils.
– Breadcrumbs and Herbs: You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and mix in different herbs like thyme, oregano or basil for enhanced flavor. Sesame seeds are also a great addition.
– Tahini Sauce: If you don’t like tahini, you can make a simple garlic mayo by mixing together mayonnaise, lemon juice and minced garlic.
– Falafel Salad: Turn this cheat’s falafel recipe into a crispy falafel salad by serving the baked falafels over mixed greens with sliced vegetables and a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing.
– Falafel Wraps: Instead of serving the falafels as a salad, you can stuff them into pita bread pockets with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions and homemade hummus.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, this recipe is adaptable and versatile enough to fit your preferences. Try different combinations until you find the perfect combination that works for you.
Serving and Pairing
The Cheat’s Falafel Recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. One popular serving idea is to enjoy the falafels in a wrap or pita bread with chopped cucumber, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce. The crunchy texture of the falafel pairs beautifully with the softness of the bread and the freshness of the vegetables.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving the falafels on top of a crispy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onions. The contrast between the warm falafels and the cool salad makes for a delicious and refreshing combination. You could also add a few slices of avocado for some creaminess and healthy fats.
Another way to serve this dish is by offering it as an appetizer spread with some homemade hummus and pita chips. Filling and satisfying, these little falafel bites are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
If you’re looking to spice things up, try pairing this dish with some curry paste or soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist. These flavors complement the chickpeas and herbs beautifully.
Finally, when it comes to drinks, this recipe pairs well with a cold beer or some chilled white wine. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with some fresh lemonade or iced tea.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Cheat’s Falafel Recipe is sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and crispy texture. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this cheat’s falafel recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time and stored for later. After baking the falafels, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to three days, but they taste best when eaten within one or two days.
To reheat, place the falafels on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.
Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked falafel mixture after forming them into balls or patties. Place them on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for an hour before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To cook from frozen, preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your falafels.
When serving leftovers, I recommend reheating the falafels and serving them with fresh pita bread, cucumber slices, parsley leaves, tahini sauce, and hummus along with some crisp salad greens like arugula or romaine lettuce.
Now that you know how to store and reheat these delicious cheat’s falafels, you can make a batch ahead of time to have a quick and easy meal ready whenever you crave some Middle Eastern flavors!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making cheat’s falafel, there are a few simple tips that can help ensure your success. Let’s take a look at some of the important points to consider before beginning.
Firstly, it is essential to remove as much water as possible from the canned chickpeas before proceeding. Excess moisture can lead to a wet batter that is difficult to shape and will not cook properly. To do so, drain the chickpeas well and then press them gently with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
Secondly, while using a food processor is recommended for this recipe, you can still achieve great results with a hand-held blender. Just be sure to pulse the ingredients in short bursts to avoid turning them into a paste.
Another key point is to use baking soda when blitzing the chickpeas and other ingredients together. This will give your falafels the perfect light and crispy texture when baked instead of tough or doughy.
It is also advisable to let the falafel mixture rest for 10-15 minutes before forming into balls or patties. This will allow the flavors to meld together better and make them easier to form.
Finally, don’t forget about the accompaniments! Serve your falafels with cooling cucumber slices, tangy tahini sauce or homemade hummus on top. You may also want to try adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or parsley for additional flavor and freshness.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfectly crispy, flavorful cheat’s falafels every time!
FAQ
As we come to the end of the article, I’d like to address some common questions about this recipe in this FAQ section. I hope this answers any doubts you might have and helps you make the perfect falafels every time. So, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about our cheat’s falafel recipe.
Why can’t you use canned chickpeas for falafel?
For an excellent falafel, it is necessary to use dried chickpeas. The canned variety is already cooked, causing the starch molecules inside to rupture and release their gooey contents. The remainder of the chickpeas lacks the ability to stick together as much, as much of the adhesive properties get washed away in the cooking fluid.
Why do you put baking soda in falafel?
Adding baking soda to falafel mixture before frying is crucial to ensure that the raw chickpeas used in the recipe are fully cooked during the frying process. The addition of baking soda raises the pH level of the mixture, facilitating the cooking conditions and creating a fluffy texture. If no baking soda is added, the chickpeas may not cook fully, leaving them with an unpleasant texture making the falafel difficult to enjoy.
What are the two types of falafel?
According to Chef Sati from Ophelia, there are three varieties of falafel, which include traditional falafel, baked falafel, and lemon falafel. While the basic fried falafel is made using chickpeas, onions, garlic, spices, and herbs, the baked falafel is prepared with fresh herbs in the chickpea mixture.
Do you have to soak chickpeas for 24 hours for falafel?
For this recipe, it’s important to note that a soaking time of 4 hours for the chickpeas is required, and it’s best to let them soak overnight. Preparing the falafel mixture itself is a cinch with the right tools – just toss the ingredients into a food processor. You’ll end up with about 12 to 13 falafels (see my notes below on how to double up on the recipe if needed).
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this cheat’s falafel recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic Middle Eastern dish at home. With the help of a food processor, you can have crispy and flavorful falafels on your plate in just 30 minutes. Not only is it convenient, but it can also be tailored to fit your dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free options.
By using simple pantry ingredients such as canned chickpeas, curry paste, soy sauce, and sesame seeds, you can create a mouth-watering feast that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a meatless dinner option, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
To elevate the dish, serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad or crispy falafel flatbread wraps drizzled with homemade garlic tahini dressing. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can be easily customized with your favorite spices and herbs.
So the next time you’re on the hunt for an easy and delicious meal option, give this cheat’s falafel recipe a try. Not only will you save time and money, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the rich flavors and aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine right at home.
Cheat’s Falafel Recipe
Ingredients
- 400 g chickpeas
- 1 garlic clove
- 200 g breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons coriander
- 4 tablespoons parsley
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons curry paste
- 75 g sesame seeds
- 6 tablespoons oil
- wraps
- cucumber
- hummus
Instructions
- Blitz the chickpeas, garlic, breadcrumbs, herbs, sesame oil, soy sauce, and curry paste in a food processor (or use a hand held blender).
- Dampen your hands and shape the mixture into balls slightly larger than a £2 coin. Roll in the sesame seeds and press slightly.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the falafel for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Leave to cool, the chill until ready to pack.