Looking for a delicious vegan falafel recipe? This classic Middle Eastern dish is a perfect, plant-based alternative to meat that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With accessible ingredients and an incredible taste, this falafel is sure to win you over. Learn how to prepare this crispy, authentic delight right now!
Ingredients for Vegan Falafel:
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley and scallions (finely chopped)
- Fresh mint (to taste)
- Dried chickpeas, soaked (about 2 cups)
- 1 small onion or half of a large onion
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Minced garlic (2 cloves or 3 teaspoons)
- Black pepper
- Za’atar spice blend (optional)
- Tahini (1 tablespoon)
- Cumin (a pinch)
- Salt to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Rice flour (2 tablespoons)
How to make Vegan Falafel:
- Start by finely chopping the parsley, scallions, and mint. These herbs are the secret to the signature flavor of a great falafel.
- Next, roughly chop the onion so it processes easily.
- Drain the soaked chickpeas and add them to a food processor.
- Add the chopped parsley, scallions, mint, and onion to the processor along with the other seasonings.
- Squeeze in some lemon juice, and add the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, black pepper, za’atar, tahini, cumin, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Pulse the mixture in the food processor until you achieve a homogeneous, well-ground texture.
- Add the two tablespoons of rice flour and pulse again until combined.
- Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into small balls or patties.
- Place the falafels in the freezer for a few minutes to help them firm up.
- In a deep pan with hot oil, fry the falafels until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Turn them occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Remove the falafels from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serving Tip:
Falafels are even more delicious when served with sauces like tahini or hummus. Serve them inside pita bread or create a delicious vegan sandwich with fresh salad and your favorite sauce. This recipe is highly versatile and can be adapted to your personal preferences.
Did you know?
Falafel is a wildly popular vegan staple in Middle Eastern cuisine! Traditionally, it is made with raw chickpeas that have been soaked, rather than cooked, to achieve the perfect texture. Plus, falafel is an excellent plant-based source of protein.
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