Authentic Falafels

4.4
(29)

These falafels are the closest thing to NYC street vendor falafels! Made the traditional way with dried soaked chickpeas! Great on a pita with lettuce, cucumber and yogurt. Asafoetida is usually found in Middle Eastern or Indian food stores. If you prefer, you can use 2 to 3 garlic cloves and 1 small chopped onion instead. This is a great base recipe, customize it to your own tastes.

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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
9 hrs
Total Time:
9 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 1 ⅓ tablespoons sesame seeds

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon white sugar

  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric

  • 1 pinch asafoetida powder

  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Directions

  1. Place dried chickpeas in a bowl. Fill with water to cover; stir in baking soda. Soak at least 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator. Drain.

  2. Place soaked and drained chickpeas in a blender or food processor; blend to a paste.

  3. Pour water into chickpea paste and blend until smooth. Scrape down sides of blender with spatula if needed.

  4. Place sesame seeds, cumin, salt, baking powder, coriander, black pepper, red chili powder, sugar, turmeric, and asafoetida powder in blender with chickpea paste; blend until well mixed. Transfer chickpea mixture to a bowl.

  5. Chill chickpea mixture in refrigerator to allow flavors to blend, at least 1 hour and up to two days.

  6. Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 1 inch in a deep skillet over medium heat and heat to 370 degrees F (188 degrees C).

  7. Scoop up chickpea mixture by heaping tablespoons and form into balls the size of ping pong balls.

  8. Fry balls in hot oil until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes on each side.

Editor's note:

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and the specific type of oil used.

64 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

262 Calories
18g Fat
21g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 262
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Sodium 582mg 25%
Total Carbohydrate 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 7g 13%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 109mg 8%
Iron 3mg 17%
Potassium 232mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.