Falafel is a round bite sized patty mixture of garbanzo beans, seasonings and a hint of spice from a jalapeño all cooked and ready to add to any wrap or salad.  A healthy little bite! 

Best Authentic Falafel Recipe and Ingredients

Falafel are almost too cute to eat! These are bite sized, small round patty shaped mixtures of pure joy and goodness. Each falafel is mixed with garbanzo beans, a variety of seasonings and a hint of spice. Mix it all together in a food processor or blender then cook on a skillet. It is that simple and so tasty! Falafel is delicious on its own or added to any sandwich, wrap or salad. There are several ways to enjoy falafel. Not only is it delicious, it is low in calorie and a great way snack to have in the kitchen we you start to feel hungry.

I love the flavor and texture in a falafel. The outside is a nice crispy outer layer with a tender, soft mixture on the inside. Together it makes these falafel irresistible! Falafel recipe is so simple to make and cooks perfectly every time. There are small patties but feel free to make them bigger if you would like for different ways of serving them. Falafel is one of kind and one recipe that you won’t stop making. It is that good!

What is Falafel?

Falafel is well known in the Middle East. It most likely originated in Egypt but has become the world’s most popular street foods that you can find most anywhere around the world. It can be served plain, in wraps, on sandwiches or salads for complete meals. Falafel is known as a deep-fried ball or flattened to shape like a doughnut patty. It is usually made from ground chickpeas, fava beans or even both. Herbs, spices and onion are all added into a mixture and made into a dough.

Falafel Ingredients:

Falafel ingredients are simple and easy to have on hand. They are all mixed together at once and then formed into a small, round patty shape. It is one of the easiest, low calorie recipes that tastes delicious!

• Garbanzo beans: I used a can of garbanzo beans that need to be drained and rinsed if you prefer.
• Parsley: The bright beautiful color comes from fresh herbs and this parsley is one of them.
• Cilantro: Green is the color of the falafel. Don’t be alarmed but this cilantro adds in a hint of spice with amazing flavor.
• Onion: Either white, yellow or red onion is your preference. 
• Garlic: I am a garlic lover and this can be added more or less depending on your preference.
• Cumin: More green coloring but the flavoring makes this the world’s best falafel.
• Salt and Pepper: I always say, just a pinch!
• Jalapeño: For the spicy lovers this is for you. If you are not a spicy lover you can omit the jalapeño or use less.
• Baking Soda: This creates more a of light and fluffy falafel.
• Flour: Any kind of flour will work here. This helps bind the mixture together in patties and cook with a crispy outside layer.

How to Make Falafel Recipe:

Simply add all the falafel ingredients into the food processor and pulse until it is thick and smooth. Add in flour and scoop out small round patties. Next you will pan fry the patties until they are golden brown on both sides. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The green color of falafel will turn a slight brownish color when the falafel has cooked.

1. Pulse Falafel ingredients together: In a food processor combine the garbanzo beans, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper, jalapeño and baking soda. Pulse until smooth about 1 minute.
2. Shape into patties: Add the mixture to a medium size bowl and stir in the flour. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons and shape into small patties.
3. Cook falafel: Heat a medium skillet to medium high and add the patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

The Recipe Critic Pro Tip:

To make the same sized round patties, use a cookie scoop for scooping the falafel patties for even cooking when pan frying.

What Goes With Falafel?

Falafel is found delicious by itself, on the go and easy to eat. Serve it with sandwiches, wraps, salads or even dipping it in hummus are fun ways to make it a complete meal as well as add flavoring and fun to other meals. You can’t go wrong with this falafel recipe!

• Falafel sandwiches or wraps: As shown in the photos of falafel wraps, this is a thick and medium sized tortilla wrapped, then filled with fresh vegetables and tomatoes, sprinkled cheese and dressing on top. This does well with wraps, naan bread or thinner tortilla shells.
• Falafel salads: Falafel make a great addition to salads. It is crispy on the outside with a tender inside perfect for an extra flavor and texture on a salad.
• Falafel bowls: Bowls have become a favorite and simple recipe to make. Using falafel over top of a base of rice, orzo, veggies or even meat makes this falafel stand out even more.
• Dipping Falafel: This is perfect for dipping falafel into hummus or tzatziki sauce. The falafel will fall apart easily but it tastes so good and melts in your mouth with every bite.

Variations of Falafel:

• Legumes: Substitute garbanzo beans for chickpeas, black beans, white beans or lentils.
• Herbs: Add in a light and tasty mint flavoring or thyme and basil for a more earthy taste.
• Spices: Add in extra of ground cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and/or turmeric to my falafel mix too. This keeps it middle eastern and still has that delicious flavoring.
• Vegetables: Shredded carrots or bell peppers are also a great additive to falafel. Just add in more dry ingredients to keep the moisture out when mixing the falafel.
• Flour: Make this gluten-free with a gluten-free flour or even use a whole wheat flour instead.

FAQ’s about Falafel:

There are different ways of cooking falafel. My favorite is pan frying. It is simple and ready in minutes compared to other techniques. Baking is also easy and can be done in the oven. Deep frying is not always my favorite but once you know how to deep fry, it just comes naturally. Once you have cooked all of your falafel, simply let cook and store. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag for 5 to 7 days or freeze them for one month long.

• How to bake falafel: Preheat oven for 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake on a greased baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes. Flipping the falafel around the 12 to 15 minute mark.
• How to deep-fry falafel: Cook oil at 375 degrees Fahrenheit using either a deep fryer or just filling a pot with a few inches of oil.  Slowly and carefully lower the falafels into the oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Once they are a deep golden brown and seem to be crunchy on the outside place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Serve once they are cooled off.
• Can you freeze falafel? Yes! Once the falafel is cooled completely freeze the cooked falafel in an airtight container for up to one month. When ready to eat pan fry from frozen or heat in small increments in the microwave.