Selecting the Perfect Ingredients
Crispy falafel balls are a tasty and nutritious snack made from a mix of chickpeas, herbs, and spices.
Preparing great falafel starts with choosing the right ingredients.
Here’s what you need:
- Dried chicpeas
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Salt
- Garlic
- Onion
- Baking soda
- Neutral oil for frying
Chickpeas: Canned vs Dried
When making falafel, you should use dried chickpeas instead of canned ones.
Dried chickpeas create a firmer texture, which is key for a crispy outside.
They’re also rich in protein and fiber.
Preparation Tip: Soak dried chickpeas in water for 8-12 hours.
This softens them without cooking, which is perfect for grinding.
Unlike canned, the soaked dried version keeps the right flavor and consistency for blending with herbs and spices.
Canned chickpeas can make falafel dough too soft and lead to mushy balls.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and Cilantro
The fresh herbs parsley and cilantro are essential for adding bright flavors and appealing green color to falafel.
They also give vital fresh notes that balance the rich spices.
Choosing Herbs: Always aim for fresh, vibrant-colored leaves.
These contribute a zesty taste to the finished product.
Be generous with both parsley and cilantro, as they work together for a herby punch.
Remove any thick stems to avoid a bitter taste.
Blend the leaves into the chickpea mixture until you see the desired green hue.
Spicing It Up: Cumin and Coriander
Spices such as ground cumin and ground coriander add warmth and depth to falafel balls.
They enhance the overall taste and bring an aromatic quality to the dish.
Adding Flavor: Start by mixing equal parts cumin and coriander into the chickpea and herb mixture.
Adjust based on personal taste, but be careful not to overpower the freshness of the herbs.
Additionally, a hint of salt and other spices like garlic and onion can round out the flavor profile.
To keep the spice balanced, taste the mixture before forming the falafel balls.