Best homemade falafel recipe
These falafel pita sandwiches are a delicious fusion of flavors and textures, featuring crispy homemade falafels nestled in warm, fluffy pita bread. Packed with fresh vegetables and drizzled with creamy tahini sauce or yogurt dressing, each bite offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of vibrant taste. Perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, these sandwiches bring the irresistible flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine right to your table. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade falafels in every mouthful!The homemade falafels are packed with fresh herbs, warm spices, and made from scratch using dried chickpeas for the perfect texture. Whether you’re frying, baking, or air-frying, these falafel patties turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every time. They’re incredibly versatile—perfect in wraps, bowls, or as a delicious appetizer. Plus, you can make them ahead, freeze them, or customize the flavors to your liking.
Ingredients
Best Falafel patties ingredients:
- 2 cups dried chickpeas - 400g (Do NOT use canned or cooked chickpeas)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda - 2g
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves - stems removed (25g)
- 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves - stems removed (15g)
- 1 small onion - quartered (about 100g)
- 7-8 garlic cloves - peeled (25g)
- 1/2 tsp Salt - adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper - 8g
- 1 tbsp ground cumin - 6g
- 1 tbsp ground coriander - 6g
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper - optional (2g)
- 1 tsp baking powder - 4g
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds - 18g - or sub for breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Falafel Sandwich filling ingredients:
- ½ red onion - thinly sliced and placed in a bowl of water (about 60g)
- ½ English cucumber - sliced into half-moon shapes (100g)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes - cut in half (150g)
- Bunch of fresh parsley - chopped (about 30g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 30ml
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 15ml
- 1/3 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper - to taste
Pita sandwich ingredients:
- 4 pita breads
- 8 tablespoons hummus - use 2 tablespoons hummus in each pita sandwich
- 8 tablespoons tahini sauce - or yogurt dressing
Instructions
How to make easy homemade falafels
- Prep the chickpeas (a day ahead): In a large bowl, combine the dried chickpeas and baking soda. Add enough water to cover the chickpeas by at least 2 inches. Let them soak overnight for about 18 hours, or longer if needed, until the chickpeas soften. When ready, drain the chickpeas thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Blend the ingredients: Place the drained chickpeas, fresh herbs, onion, garlic, and spices in a food processor. Pulse the mixture in 40-second intervals until everything is well combined and you have a coarse falafel mixture.
- Chill the mixture: Transfer the falafel mixture to a container, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you prefer.
- Prepare for frying: Just before frying, stir in the baking powder and sesame seeds.
- Form the falafel patties: Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture and shape it into patties about 1/2 inch thick. Wet your hands slightly to help shape the falafel.
- Fry the falafel: In a medium saucepan, heat about 3 inches of oil over medium-high heat until the oil starts bubbling gently. Fry the falafel patties in batches, cooking each for 3 to 5 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown on the outside. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Drain the falafel: Once fried, transfer the falafel patties to a plate lined with paper towels or a colander to drain excess oil.
- Enjoy your homemade falafel!
How to make the best falafel pita sandwiches
- If using a large pita, it's often simpler to cut it in half and gently open each half to create two pockets. This way, you have two smaller pitas to fill, which can be easier to manage. Depending on the brand of pita, some may be easier to open whole, so go with whatever works best for your pita.
- To assemble your pita sandwiches, start by spreading about 2 tablespoons of hummus (or sauce of your choice) on the inside of each pita half. Place three falafel balls in each pocket, then fill with your favorite veggies, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. Drizzle some tahini yogurt sauce on top, and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
One serving of falafel = 6 falafels
There are approximately 95 calories in 6 falafels
Tahini Sauce Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tahini (120g)
- 1/4 cup water (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (about 3g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (1g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml) (optional for creaminess)
How to make pita dressing Instructions:
1.In a bowl, combine the tahini, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and cumin. 2.Whisk until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. 3.Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra richness, stir in olive oil. 4.Serve drizzled over your falafel pita sandwiches or as a dip. Enjoy your flavorful tahini sauce!Tips:
- Important Tip: Be sure to start with dried chickpeas. Canned chickpeas won’t work for this recipe, as they’re too soft and can affect the texture. The dried chickpeas need to be soaked overnight, for at least 18 hours, but allowing up to 24 hours is ideal to ensure they’re softened enough for blending.
- Toasting sesame seeds: To toast sesame seeds at home, place raw seeds in a dry skillet over low heat. Stir them occasionally for 1-3 minutes until they become golden brown. Immediately transfer the seeds to a separate dish to cool, preventing them from burning in the hot pan.