The most delicious

DIY Falafel

NOTE: the chickpeas must be soaked for 24 hours beforehand.

Falafel originates from the Middle East but has now become an indispensable part of this western cuisine. And it is really easy to make yourself. This recipe guarantees falafel that is deliciously creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The spice mix of the falafel provides a nice zesty taste, and the combination of legumes and vegetables makes it a delicious vegan snack or, of course, delicious on a pita.

Preparation time: 24 h soaking + 30 minutes

Needed for 10 falafel balls

• One jar with dried chickpeas and one bag of falafel spice mix
• Add yourself: two tablespoons of vegetable oil of your choice (e.g. sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, or olive oil)
• Tip: do you have fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley? These are a nice addition.

Also necessary:

• Food processor or hand blender
• Spatula
• Pan
• Splash of vegetable oil

To start

Remove the bag of spice mix from the jar and set aside. Fill the jar with cold water to about 3 cm below the metal ring.

Close the jar and let the chickpeas soak for a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 36 hours.

After 24 h

Drain the excess water.

Place the chickpeas and the spice mix in the food processor. Do you wish to use fresh herbs? If so, you can add them at this step. Grind coarsely.

Then

Add two tablespoons of oil to the chickpeas, and continue grinding until smooth. Add a bit of extra oil if necessary.

Then

For 10 balls of about 20 g each and place them on a plate. (Tip: if the falafel mix stick to your hands whilst forming the balls, wet your hands in between).

Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the falafel balls over medium heat until they are nicely browned.

Tips for a delicious falafel sandwich:

Use colourful grilled vegetable toppings such as red onion, yellow and red bell pepper, and carrot. Or how about a creamy cucumber tzatziki or Baba Ganoush? Would you like a really distinctive and flavourful topping? Why not make Lebanese coleslaw (salatet malfouf)?