Hey foodies! Welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor – Vegan Falafel! Whether you're craving a quick snack or a full meal, falafel is always a great choice. It's super satisfying, packed with protein, and completely plant-based. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can enjoy it in a pita, on a salad, or just by itself with some delicious dips.
Falafel is a Middle Eastern classic made from chickpeas (or fava beans), herbs, and spices. Today, we’re going to make a simple, yet tasty, vegan falafel recipe that’s crispy, flavorful, and super easy to whip up!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Falafel:
- Crispy & Crunchy: The outside gets wonderfully crispy while the inside stays soft and flavorful.
- High in Protein & Fiber: Chickpeas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making this a filling and nutritious snack or meal.
- Easy & Affordable: You only need a few ingredients and they’re easy to find at any grocery store!
- Versatile: Perfect for wraps, bowls, salads, or just on their own with hummus or tahini dip.
Ingredients for Vegan Falafel:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 2-3 tablespoons flour (use chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon tahini (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Olive oil for frying (or you can bake them for a healthier option)
How to Make Vegan Falafel:
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
Start by draining and rinsing the chickpeas thoroughly if you’re using canned. If you’re cooking them from scratch, just make sure they’re tender and well-drained.
Once that’s done, add the chickpeas to a food processor.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Spices
To the food processor with the chickpeas, add the chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Pulse everything together until the mixture is well combined but still a bit chunky. You want texture, not a smooth paste!
Step 3: Bind the Mixture
Next, add the flour, tahini (if using), and baking powder to the chickpea mixture. Pulse again until the mixture comes together and is slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, you can add a splash of water, but the mixture should hold together when shaped into a ball. Let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and make it easier to shape.
Step 4: Shape the Falafel
Once the dough is ready, wet your hands and form small balls or patties (about the size of a golf ball). Don’t worry about them being perfect – that’s part of the charm!
Step 5: Fry or Bake the Falafel
- To Fry: Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the falafel balls into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- To Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the falafel balls on a lined baking sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your falafel is crispy and golden, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy them warm with your favorite toppings, like fresh salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, and a drizzle of tahini or vegan yogurt. They’re also great wrapped in a pita or served on top of a grain bowl for a complete meal.
Serving Ideas for Your Vegan Falafel:
- Falafel Pita Wrap: Stuff your falafel balls into warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a tangy tahini sauce. Add some lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion for the ultimate wrap.
- Falafel Salad: Serve your falafel over a bed of greens, with avocado, tomatoes, and cucumber for a fresh, light meal. Top with a lemon-tahini dressing for a burst of flavor.
- Falafel Bowl: For a filling meal, serve your falafel with quinoa, roasted veggies, and hummus or tahini. This combination is packed with plant-based protein and flavor.
- With Dips: Falafel is perfect for dipping in sauces like hummus, tahini, or a spicy harissa sauce.
Why Vegan Falafel is a Must-Try:
- It’s Budget-Friendly: Chickpeas are inexpensive, and the recipe uses common pantry staples, making it super affordable.
- It’s Healthy: Packed with fiber, protein, and fresh herbs, falafel is a great way to eat plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
- It’s Fun to Make: Rolling the falafel into little balls is so satisfying, and it’s a great recipe to get the whole family involved.
- It’s Customizable: You can swap out ingredients or toppings depending on what you have in your kitchen or what you're in the mood for.
Final Thoughts:
There you have it, guys – a simple, flavorful recipe for Vegan Falafel that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and absolutely delicious. Whether you're enjoying these in a pita, as part of a grain bowl, or simply dipping them in hummus, falafel is the ultimate plant-based comfort food. I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out!
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more delicious, easy recipes. And as always, feel free to get creative with your toppings or serve it with your favorite dips. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next vlog!
Ingredients Recap:
- Chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, flour, tahini (optional)
- Olive oil for frying (or bake for a healthier option)
- Serve with pita, salad, tahini, or hummus
Enjoy your falafel! 🌱