Do you dream of enjoying crispy and tasty homemade falafels? In this article, I guide you step by step to prepare these Mediterranean delights. From preparing the dough to the secrets of a perfect tahini sauce, discover how to delight your taste buds with this essential recipe!
Preparing the chickpea paste
The first step for crispy falafel begins with preparing the chickpea dough. Start by soaking the dried chickpeas in water overnight. This will allow the chickpeas to soften and be easier to blend.
Once soaked, drain the chickpeas and add them to a blender with fresh garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander powder and a little baking soda for an airy texture.
Mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous but not too smooth paste. Be careful not to overmix in order to maintain a slightly grainy texture which will add crunch to the falafels when fried.
Then transfer the dough to a bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will help the dough firm up slightly before being formed into perfectly golden and deliciously crispy little balls.
Forming and cooking
Once your chickpea dough is ready, it’s time to form the falafels. Take a small amount of dough in your hands and shape it into small balls. Make sure to compact the dough well to prevent it from falling apart during cooking.
To cook the falafels, you have the choice between frying or baking. If you opt for frying, heat some oil in a pan until it reaches around 180°C. Gently dip the dough balls into the hot oil and let them brown for a few minutes on each side.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can also cook the falafels in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and bake them at 200°C for around 20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking for even browning.
Whether you choose to fry or bake, be sure to carefully monitor your falafels so that they are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Homemade tahini sauce
Homemade tahini sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your crispy falafels. It’s creamy, flavorful and so easy to make at home. To make it, simply mix tahini (sesame puree), fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, a little water and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Make sure to mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous texture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more water to make it thinner. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more lemon or salt if necessary.
This homemade tahini sauce will bring a touch of creaminess and irresistible flavor to your homemade falafels. Don’t hesitate to make a little more to accompany other dishes such as raw vegetables or grilled meats. It’s the little extra that will make all the difference!
Serve the falafel
Now that your delicious crispy falafels are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! You can accompany them with a fresh salad, slices of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers and a generous dollop of homemade tahini sauce. You can also wrap them in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables to create a tasty vegetarian sandwich.
Don’t forget to add a finishing touch by sprinkling some sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs on your falafels. Let yourself be carried away by the explosion of flavors and the irresistible texture of these little crispy balls.
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these homemade falafels that will delight not only your senses but also your health. Enjoy!
