Crispy Vegan Falafel
These golden, herb-packed falafel balls offer a perfectly crunchy exterior with a tender, vibrant green center that is naturally vegan and delicious.
Ingredients
- •2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked in water for 24 hours, then drained)
- •1 cup fresh parsley, packed
- •1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
- •1 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
- •4 cloves garlic, peeled
- •1 tablespoon ground cumin
- •1 tablespoon ground coriander
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- •2 tablespoons chickpea flour or all-purpose flour
- •Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- 1
Place the soaked, drained chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic into a food processor.
- 2
Pulse the mixture until it reaches a coarse, sandy texture, being careful not to turn it into a smooth paste.
- 3
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
- 4
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
- 5
Using your hands or a falafel scoop, form the mixture into small, tightly packed balls or patties.
- 6
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- 7
Fry the falafel in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- 8
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving warm.
💡 Chef tips
- Always use dried chickpeas that have been soaked; canned chickpeas contain too much moisture and will cause the falafel to fall apart in the oil.
- If the mixture feels too loose, add an extra tablespoon of flour to help bind it.
- You can freeze the shaped, uncooked falafel balls on a tray and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished falafel should be deep golden brown, fragrant with fresh herbs and earthy spices, and feature a satisfying crunch that gives way to a light, fluffy, and bright green interior.