Easy Homemade Falafel Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful and Traditional

Falafel is one of the most popular Middle Eastern foods, loved for its crispy outside, flavorful herbs, and tender center. These golden little patties are traditionally made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, and warm spices. They are delicious in pita bread, served with tahini sauce, or enjoyed as part of a Middle Eastern breakfast.

Making falafel at home may seem difficult at first, but the process is actually quite simple. The key is using dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight rather than canned chickpeas. This gives the falafel the right texture and helps them hold their shape while cooking.

Ingredients:

1 cup dried chickpeas

1 small onion, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic

1 cup fresh parsley

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon flour, optional

Oil, for frying

 

How to Make Falafel:

1. Soak the Chickpeas

Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them generously with cold water. Leave them to soak for 12–24 hours. They should become noticeably softer and larger.

Drain the chickpeas well before using them. Do not cook them, as raw soaked chickpeas give falafel its characteristic texture.

2. Make the Falafel Mixture

Add the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.

Pulse several times until everything is finely ground and the mixture looks crumbly but holds together when pressed. Avoid blending it into a smooth paste.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the baking soda. If it feels too loose, add a small amount of flour and mix again.

3. Shape the Falafel

Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape.

Use your hands or a falafel scoop to form small balls or slightly flattened patties. Keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.

4. Fry Until Golden

Heat enough oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place a few falafel pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.

Fry for about 3–4 minutes, turning them as needed, until they become golden brown and crisp on the outside. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

 

Serving Suggestions

Serve homemade falafel warm with pita bread, tahini sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, and fresh herbs. They are also delicious in a sandwich with lettuce and a drizzle of lemony tahini sauce.

For a lighter option, falafel can also be baked or cooked in an air fryer, although frying gives the most traditional crispy texture.

With simple ingredients and a little preparation, homemade falafel is a delicious way to enjoy a classic Middle Eastern favorite right in your own kitchen.