Herby Vegan Falafel Delight

October 27, 2024 by Jessica Harper.

Why Choose Vegan Falafel?

Vegan falafel is not just a delicious option; it also offers a variety of health benefits that make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their diet. Made primarily from chickpeas, falafel is rich in plant-based protein, making it an excellent alternative for those who wish to limit their meat consumption without sacrificing nutrition. Chickpeas are also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, the herbs used in this recipe, such as parsley and cilantro, provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, further enhancing the nutritional profile of this dish.

Serving Suggestions for Herby Vegan Falafel Delight

While our herby vegan falafel is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways to elevate your meal experience. Consider serving it in a warm pita bread with a generous spread of hummus or baba ganoush, which not only adds creaminess but also infuses additional flavors that complement the herbs in the falafel. You can also create a vibrant salad bowl by adding fresh greens, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. For a heartier option, serve the falafel over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, topped with a homemade tzatziki sauce made from dairy-free yogurt, garlic, and cucumber.

Tips for Perfecting Your Falafel

Creating the perfect falafel may require a bit of practice, but with these handy tips, you can enhance your cooking skills. First, be mindful not to over-process the mixture; you want a rough texture to maintain the falafel s structure. If the mixture is too wet, gradually add more flour until you achieve a dough that can hold its shape. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying—this will give you the golden-brown exterior and help keep the falafel from absorbing too much oil. Lastly, don t hesitate to experiment with spices; adding a pinch of coriander or smoked paprika can provide a unique twist to your falafel.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Falafel

Leftover falafel can be a convenient and tasty option for quick meals throughout the week. To store your falafel, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them—place the uncooked falafel balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you re ready to enjoy them, simply bake or fry them directly from frozen. Reheat any leftover cooked falafel in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through, ensuring they remain crispy on the outside.

Exploring Variations of Falafel

Falafel is incredibly versatile, allowing for various adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a spicier kick, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. If you re looking to incorporate more greens, consider adding spinach or kale into the blend, which not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a lovely green hue. For those who are gluten-sensitive, substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free options, such as chickpea flour or almond flour, works wonderfully. Lastly, don t shy away from experimenting with different herbs and spices—each variation brings a unique flavor profile to your falafel, making it a delightful dish to revisit time and again.

Join the Vegan Movement with Falafel

Embracing a vegan lifestyle has never been easier, and dishes like herby vegan falafel are paving the way for delicious, plant-based eating. By choosing falafel, you not only indulge in a satisfying meal but also contribute to a more sustainable food system. With numerous health benefits and endless variations, falafel is a fantastic gateway into the world of vegan cooking. So gather your ingredients, invite friends over, and share the love of this herby falafel delight—your body and the planet will thank you!

Enjoy a fresh, herby falafel that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect as a snack or meal!

Prep time:1 hour
Cook time:6 minutes
Total time:1 hour 36 minutes
Yield:3 servings

Ingredients

1 cup roughly chopped white onion
3 cloves garlic
1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained
½ cup lightly packed parsley leaves
½ cup lightly packed cilantro leaves
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or a mix of whole wheat, brown rice, or chickpea flour)
2 tablespoons canola oil (or olive oil for sautéing)
Pita bread for serving (optional)
Hummus for serving (optional)

Instructions

Add the onion and garlic cloves to a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Set aside.
In the same processor, add chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, salt, chili powder, and cumin. Pulse until roughly blended, but not pureed.
Return the onion mixture to the processor, along with the baking powder and enough flour to form a small ball that isn’t sticky (start with 2 tablespoons, adding more if necessary).
Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
After chilling, scoop the mixture into balls (about 3 tablespoons each). If too wet, add more flour as needed.
Heat a sauté pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add enough canola oil to coat the pan. Preheat for 3 minutes.
Fry the falafel balls, browning one side for 3 minutes, then flip and cook until fully cooked through.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined cooling rack and season with salt immediately. Repeat until all falafel are cooked.
Serve in warmed pita with hummus or baba ganoush, or enjoy unwrapped!