Appetizer > Middle Eastern > Falafels

Crispy Baked Falafel Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
3. Add the flour and baking powder to the mixture and pulse until well combined.
4. Drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until the mixture comes together in a ball.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Flatten the balls slightly with your fingers to form patties.
7. Bake the falafel for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 12 falafel patties.

Nutritional information:
- Each falafel patty contains approximately 70 calories, 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, 3g fat, and 2g fiber.

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use dried chickpeas instead of canned, but you will need to soak them overnight and cook them before using.
- You can use any type of flour instead of all-purpose flour, such as whole wheat flour or chickpea flour.
- If you don't have fresh parsley or cilantro, you can use dried herbs instead.

Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Serve the falafel with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.
- Stuff the falafel patties into pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for a classic falafel sandwich.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas well before using them in the recipe.
- If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour to help it come together.
- For extra crispy falafel, brush the patties with a little extra olive oil before baking.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the falafel, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the falafel on a platter with a side of tzatziki sauce and some fresh vegetables for dipping.

Garnishes:
- Garnish the falafel with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro.

Pairings:
- Serve the falafel with a side of tabbouleh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Tabbouleh salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Greek salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the falafel patties are falling apart, the mixture may be too wet. Add more flour to help it come together.
- If the falafel patties are not crispy enough, brush them with a little extra olive oil before baking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the falafel patties to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.

Food history:
- Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans that are formed into patties and fried or baked.

Flavor profiles:
- The crispy baked falafel has a nutty, earthy flavor from the chickpeas and a hint of spice from the cumin and coriander.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the falafel as an appetizer or a main dish with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus for dipping.

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Region: Middle Eastern

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Crunchy, Aromatic