Lebanese Falafel Recipe – A Healthy Vegan Delight

 

Introduction

Falafel is a popular street food across the Middle East, with its origins tracing back to Egypt and Lebanon. Made from ground chickpeas or fava beans (or both), falafel is a deliciously crispy vegan snack that’s perfect in sandwiches, salads, or on its own with dips. Lebanese falafel stands out for being light, flavorful, and served with tahini sauce and pickled vegetables inside pita bread.

This recipe will teach you how to make perfectly golden falafel balls at home, plus a creamy tahini dip to complement them.

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Ingredients

For the Falafel

• 1½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying

For the Tahini Sauce

• ½ cup tahini
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup cold water (or more as needed)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

1. Place the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with water.
2. Soak them for at least 12 hours or overnight. Drain and pat dry before use.
3. Important: Don’t use canned chickpeas—they contain too much moisture and won’t yield the right texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Falafel Mixture

1. In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onions, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
2. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, stir in the flour and baking powder, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes shaping easier.

Step 3: Shape the Falafel Balls

1. Using wet hands or a falafel scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties.
2. Place the falafel on a tray lined with parchment paper while you heat the oil.

Step 4: Fry the Falafel

1. Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the falafel balls in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Tahini Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
2. Slowly add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 6: Serve the Falafel

1. Serve the falafel inside pita bread, with tahini sauce, pickled vegetables, lettuce, and tomatoes.
2. You can also serve them on a platter with a side of hummus or a green salad.

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Tips for Perfect Falafel

• Chill the mixture before frying to help it hold its shape.
• If the mixture is too wet, add more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit of water.
• For a healthier option, bake the falafel at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Pair falafel with pickled turnips and tabbouleh for an authentic Lebanese experience.

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Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Protein	8 g
Carbohydrates	20 g
Fat	9 g
Fiber	5 g

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Conclusion

Falafel is a healthy, flavorful dish that works well as a snack, appetizer, or main course. Whether you enjoy it in a pita sandwich or on a platter, this crispy delight is a must-try. Serve it with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables for an authentic Lebanese meal that’s sure to impress.