Making this Mediterranean favorite at home is quick and easy with this Simple Crispy Vegan Falafel recipe. Perfectly crisp on the outside and moist on the inside.
I have been wanting to share this Simple Crispy Vegan Falafel recipe with you for soooooo long now. These little nuggets are not only super healthy, they are also protein-packed and tasty. Oh, and easy to make at home.
If you've never had falafel before, now is the time to try it.
Just imagine all of your favorite mediterranean flavors combined to make a dough, then fried until perfectly crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Sounds pretty good, right?
So what are these mediterranean flavors I'm talking about?
Chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander.
Basically, lots of fresh herbs and some potent dried herbs. The combination makes for a flavor that is both bright and deep.
I really upped the amount of spices I used in these (compared to other recipes I've seen) and I think it makes these stand out in the best way possible. Why skimp on flavor?
Now when it comes to frying vs baking. You 100% need to fry these. Even if it is just with a small amount of oil in a pan (even though my directions call for a full fry). Baking these just doesn't give them that "crunch" factor I'm always talking about.
I also think baking these dries them out too much. You really want the center to stay moist and frying helps you achieve that.
To serve these you have a few different options. First thing you'll want to do is whip up a batch of The Best Tahini Dressing. This creamy, tangy dressing is the perfect partner for falafel.
You can eat these as a snack or appetizer (just make sure to serve them with that dressing). Or add them to a pita sandwich with some veggies (oh, and some of that tahini dressing...did I mention it is the BEST dressing). These also go great in a salad. Tomorrow I'll be sharing my favorite falafel salad recipe. Be on the lookout.
Simple Crispy Vegan Falafel
Ingredients
- 1 14-ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- ½ onion roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup cilantro loosely packed and chopped
- ¼ cup parsley loosely packed and chopped
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoon flour plus more for rolling out
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Add chickpeas, onion and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until combined - you still want it to be chunky.
- Add cilantro, parsley, cumin, coriander, red pepper flakes, salt & pepper to the food processor and pulse until everything is combined - you want it to be slightly smoother, but still a little chunky.
- Sprinkle baking powder and flour over the mixture and pulse a final time. You want the mixture to form into a ball that is not too sticky.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle some flour on your hands and form the dough into 12 balls. Place them on the baking sheet and flatten into thick discs.
- Add an inch of oil to a pan and heat to 375 degrees. Working in batches, add falafel to the pan. Once browned on the bottom, flip and brown the other side. Place on a paper towel lined plate and allow excess oil to drain.
- Repeat with remaining falafel.
- Serve in a sandwich, over a salad or individually with Tahini Dressing.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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If you make this recipe be sure to snap a photo + post it + and tag #thissavoryvegan and @thissavoryvegan!
Tom
Best falafel recipe.
Rene
Thanks!!!
Amelia
These taste amazing! But the last two times I've tried making these I put them in the pan to fry them and they completely fall apart D:
Any advice on how to not let this happen?
Rene
A few things to try - be sure not to overwork the batter, let them cool in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying and make sure your oil is hot enough. Hope that helps!
Colleen
I had the same issues with it being sticky as the others did, but I did overblend the mixture. Added about a cup of flour to offset it, and it turned out fine in the end. Ended up subbing spinach for the parsley too. This recipe is fine, but works better for people who know what to look for in terms of consistency.
Mel
Great tasting recipe!!!!
Came out perfect! I was worried about some other comments how it's so sticky or how they fell apart when cooking. I just paid very close attention of the consistency when blending all the ingredients.
Rene
So glad you liked them!!!
Cat
I made this and it was so yummy! Mine did not fall apart and I did not edit the recipe at all!
Mel
Great tasting recipe!!!!
Came out perfect! I was worried about some other comments how it's so sticky or how they fell apart when cooking. I just paid very close attention of the consistency when blending all the ingredients.
Carolyn Davila
Tried frying at 375 per instructions and they literally fell apart! I make red lentil kabobs which stay together beautifully, so this was an astonishing disappointment.
Lesley
I loved the flavor but could not get the mixture firm enough to shape and fry. I dropped them on a tray cookie style and baked. They were so sticky, no matter ho
w much flour I added.
Nancy Collins
Ok so these were amazing! First time trying falafel and they were delicious!!
Susan Alexander
Hi there, Are these cooked chickpeas as a lot of recipes say do raw soaked?
Thanks,
Susan
Rene
Hi Susan - I used canned chickpeas, so they are already cooked. If you were going to use raw chickpeas, you would need to soak/cook them before making this. Hope that helps 🙂
Melissa
Great recipe!! Came out perfect and delicuous!! Would definetly make agoin.
I made the dressing too. Although different but good taste the red wine vinegar is a bit overpowering .
LIsa M
Can these be baked in the oven? if so, what temperature and how long?
Lesley
I baked them! Couldn't get the mixture to stop being so sticky. 375 for almost 20 minutes, I think. Not the same as frying, I'm sure but it worked! Great flavor.
Ken
Does this recipe freeze well? Do do before cooking?
Rene
Exactly. Freeze before cooking and no need to thaw before frying.