Real Falafel Vegan

Experience the authentic flavors of the Middle East with this "Real Falafel Vegan" recipe, crafted entirely from simple, wholesome ingredients. Made with raw soaked chickpeas for a perfectly crispy texture, these golden bites are infused with aromatic cumin, fresh parsley, and cilantro for bold, herbaceous flavor in every bite. The traditional preparation method ensures a light, airy interior encased in a satisfyingly crunchy crust. Perfect as a protein-packed vegan main or snack, these falafels are easy to customize—serve them warm in pita bread with creamy tahini and crisp veggies, or atop a fresh salad for a vibrant, healthy meal. Ready in under an hour (excluding soaking time), this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy homemade, restaurant-quality falafel.

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried chickpeas
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried chickpeas and soak them in water for at least 12 hours or overnight. Ensure there is plenty of water as the chickpeas will expand.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Do not cook them. The raw soaked chickpeas are key to the authentic texture of falafel.

Step 3

In a food processor, add the soaked chickpeas, roughly chopped onion, garlic cloves, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Stop blending before it becomes a paste; you should still see small bits of chickpeas. Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.

Step 5

Add the baking powder and flour to the mixture, then pulse a few more times to combine. The flour helps bind the mixture together.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

Step 7

Using clean hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a ping-pong ball. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat, aiming for a temperature of approximately 350°F (175°C). Test the oil by dropping a small piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle and float to the surface.

Step 9

Fry the falafel in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy all around.

Step 10

Remove the falafel from the oil with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 11

Serve the falafel warm, tucked into pita bread with tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, or over a salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	897.6 grams (897.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4947

Total Fat 486.60g	624%
Saturated Fat 68.90g	345%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2665mg	116%
Total Carbohydrate 156.90g	57%
Dietary Fiber 39.00g	139%
Total Sugars 29.50g
Protein 43.90g	88%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 344mg	26%
Iron 18mg	97%
Potassium 2406mg	51%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 84.5%

Protein: 3.4%

Carbs: 12.1%