Falafel

Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, formed into patties and fried until crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. It’s hearty, naturally vegan, and packed with flavour— it's great served with tahini sauce, hummus, and a fresh salad like Fattoush and Tabbouleh.

Falafel Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry chickpeas

• 1 cup fresh parsley

• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro

• 1/2 cup fresh dill

• 1 small onion

• 1 head garlic (approx. 6-7 cloves)

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

• 1 tbsp ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust salt to taste)

• 1 tsp baking powder
  

• Avocado oil, for frying
  

Instructions:

1. Soak:  Place chickpeas in a large bowl, cover with plenty of water, and soak overnight.

   
   

2. Prep:  Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas.
   

3. Blend:  In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, dill, onion, garlic, spices, and salt. Pulse until the mixture holds together but still has texture—don’t overblend.
   

4. Form:  Shape the mixture into oval patties about ½ inch thick.
   

5. Fry:  Heat avocado oil in a pan to 350°F (medium-high). Fry patties in batches for 3–5 minutes, turning until golden brown and cooked through.
   

6. Drain:  Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   

7. Serve:  Enjoy warm with tahini sauce, hummus, fattoush, or tabbouleh.

Tahini Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup tahini

• 1/2 cup cold water

• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

• 1/4 tsp crushed garlic

• Cumin, to taste

• Salt, to taste

  
  

Instructions:

1. Mix Tahini & Water: Whisk tahini with cold water gradually—it may thicken before smoothing out. Adjust water for desired consistency.

2. Add Flavour: Stir in lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin.

3. Taste & Adjust: Add more lemon or salt to taste. Optional: top with a pinch of cumin or fresh parsley.

4. Serve: Drizzle over falafel or serve as a dip.