Best Frozen Falafel Recipe

Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish made of ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and then deep-fried. It's typically served in a pita pocket with hummus, tahini sauce, and vegetables, making it a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian meal. While traditionally made from scratch, pre-made falafel mixes and frozen falafel are readily available in many grocery stores, making it easier than ever to enjoy this delicious dish at home. In this article, we'll be sharing the best frozen falafel recipe that you can make at home, from scratch. We'll provide step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and tips to ensure that your falafel turns out crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. So, let's get started!                                                                                                                                                                  

also read: Perfect Potato Chips

Ingredients:

2 cups dried chickpeas

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp flour

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Soak the chickpeas overnight in a large bowl filled with enough water to cover them by several inches. Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly the next day and pat them dry with a clean towel.

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly coarse, stopping and scraping down the sides as needed.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the baking powder and flour until well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

When ready to cook, heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, form the falafel mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and flatten slightly to form patties.

Carefully place the falafel in the hot oil, frying in batches of 4-5 at a time, for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the falafel from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve the falafel hot with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and your favorite vegetables. Enjoy!                                                                                                                          Tips:                                                                    

Thaw the falafel properly: If you're using store-bought frozen falafel, make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. Thawing the falafel overnight in the refrigerator is the best method, as it allows the falafel to thaw slowly and evenly. Avoid thawing the falafel at room temperature or in the microwave, as this can cause them to become mushy or dry out.

Preheat your oven: If you're baking your falafel instead of frying it, make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F before you start cooking. This will ensure that your falafel cooks evenly and develops a nice crust on the outside.

Use a non-stick pan: If you're frying your falafel, use a non-stick pan to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You can also use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot for frying, as these distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying your falafel, make sure to leave enough space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy or greasy falafel.

Use a thermometer: If you're frying your falafel, use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil. The ideal temperature for frying falafel is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the falafel will burn on the outside and be raw on the inside. If the oil is too cool, the falafel will absorb too much oil and be greasy.

Drain the falafel well: After frying your falafel, make sure to drain them well on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. This will ensure that your falafel stays crispy and doesn't become greasy.

Serve with dipping sauce: Falafel is traditionally served with a variety of dipping sauces, including tahini sauce, hummus, and tzatziki. These sauces add flavor and moisture to the falafel, making them even more delicious. You can also serve your falafel with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to make a complete meal.

By following these tips, you can make delicious, crispy, and flavorful falafel from scratch or using store-bought frozen falafel.