These falafel balls are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with a balanced flavour that pairs well with fresh vegetables, pickles, or tahini. They make a great addition to wraps, mezze spreads, or simple weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Soaked Chickpeas
2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight in plenty of water)
Herbs & Aromatics
1 small onion, roughly chopped
3–4 garlic cloves
1 cup fresh parsley, tightly packed
½ cup fresh coriander (cilantro)
Dry Ingredients
3 tbsp chickpea flour or all-purpose flour (for binding)
1½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp baking soda (added right before frying)
For Frying
Vegetable oil
Sesame seeds
Preparation
Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas
Place dried chickpeas in a large bowl.
Cover with at least 3× the amount of cold water — they expand a lot.
Soak for 12 hours or overnight.
Drain completely the next day.
Step 2: Blend the Falafel Mixture
Add soaked chickpeas to a food processor.
Add onion, garlic, parsley, coriander.
Pulse repeatedly until the mixturethe mixture becomes fine and grainy.
Texture should look like coarse sand, not paste.
Scrape the sides as needed for even blending.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Transfer mixture to a bowl and add:
chickpea flour
salt
cumin
coriander
black pepper
Mix to combine.
Step 4: Rest the Mixture
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. hour. This helps the mixture bind and become easier to shape.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Right before frying:
Mix ½ tsp baking soda with 1 tsp warm water.
Add to the falafel mixture and stir well.
This makes the falafel light and fluffy inside.
Step 6: Shape the Falafel
Use a falafel scoop, spoon, or your hands.
Form 20 equal-sized balls (walnut-sized).
Make a small indentation in the centre with your thumb—this helps them cook evenly.
Dip tops in sesame seeds, like in the photo.
Step 7: Fry the Falafel
Heat oil to 170–180°C (340–360°F).
Add falafel in small batches.
Fry 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally.
They should become deep golden brown and crispy.
Remove and place on paper towels to drain.