Delicious Middle Eastern Falafels

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Delicious Middle Eastern Falafels.

1. Step 1

   Start by placing your dried chickpeas in a bowl and covering them with water. Stir in the baking soda and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your falafels, so don’t skip it! Once soaked, drain the chickpeas and get ready to blend.

2. Step 2

   Next, toss the soaked and drained chickpeas into a blender or food processor. Blend them until they form a smooth paste. If you need to, scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure everything is well mixed.

3. Step 3

   Now, pour in the tablespoon of water and blend again until the mixture is silky smooth. This will help create a light and airy falafel.

4. Step 4

   Add the sesame seeds, ground cumin, salt, baking powder, ground coriander, black pepper, red chili powder, sugar, turmeric, and a pinch of asafoetida powder to the chickpea paste. Blend everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic happens, as the spices infuse the mixture with incredible flavor!

5. Step 5

   Transfer the blended chickpea mixture to a bowl and cover it. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or up to two days if you want to prepare ahead. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

6. Step 6

   When you’re ready to fry, pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 370°F (188°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle immediately.

7. Step 7

   Using a heaping tablespoon, scoop the chilled chickpea mixture and form it into balls about the size of ping pong balls. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little irregularity adds to their charm!

8. Step 8

   Carefully place the falafel balls into the hot oil, frying them until they turn golden brown, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. Once they’re beautifully golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.

9. Step 9

   Serve your delicious falafels warm, perhaps with a side of tahini sauce or in a pita with fresh veggies. Enjoy!