Falafel Recipe - #falafel #chickpeas (2024)

FAQs

Why can't you use canned chickpeas for falafel? ›

Turns out that dried chickpeas are essential to good falafel. See, canned chickpeas have already been cooked. Starch molecules within them have already burst and released their sticky contents, much of which get washed away in the cooking liquid, leaving the remaining chickpeas with very little clinging power.

Always use dry chickpeas.

Dry chickpeas, that have been soaked in water for 24 hours, will give you the best texture and flavor. Dry chickpeas are naturally starchy and will help your falafels to stay well formed. If you use canned chickpeas, your falafel will disintegrate in the frying oil.

Many recipes use egg or flour as a binding agent. I prefer to chill falafel instead, as it keeps them nice and airy with no added filler. Don't skip the chill! It's necessary to ensure they maintain their shape.

Falafel is low in calories and fat. When eaten as part of a healthy diet, it can aid with weight loss or weight maintenance. One of the healthiest ways to eat falafel is in a buddha bowl with plenty of healthy greens and veggies.

Interference with medications. Canned chickpeas contain high amounts of potassium. Since people who are on certain medications, such as beta-blockers for heart disease, have increased levels of potassium in the blood, they should be careful about their potassium intake.

Chickpeas are made up of oligosaccharides, sugars that are also found in other foods like rye, onions, and garlic. Since they are highly concentrated in chickpeas, a lot of it has to pass through our system, causing longer and more severe bouts of bloating or uneasiness.

The trouble you might encounter, the first time around, is getting the right consistency so that your falafel won't break apart as you drop it into the oil. A binding ingredient can help keep it together, especially if you are using canned beans instead of dried. And the perfect binding ingredient for falafel is flour.

The baking soda is meant to be added just 5-15 minutes before frying! If you don't have baking soda, then use baking powder instead. Don't skip this ingredient as it helps your falafel become airy and soft rather than tough and dense.

There are two methods for soaking the chickpeas for making falafel. The first and simplest is to soak the chickpeas at room temperature for 20 to 24 hours. The second option, and the one best for nights when you forgot to soak the chickpeas, is to quickly boil the chickpeas and then set them aside to soak for an hour.

Falafel is usually made with fava beans in Egyptian cuisine, where it most likely originated, with chickpeas in Palestinian cuisine, or just chickpeas or a combination of both in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria and the wider Middle East. This version is the most popular in the West.

Why is my falafel mix too wet? ›

If you find the mixture is too wet, simply add little more breadcrumbs. The falafel mixture after prepared can be shaped by hand or with a tool called an alb falafel (falafel mold). You can have your kids roll them into balls or patties. Anytime there's rolling or any dough work my kids come running.

Legumes, beans, and pulses that have anti-inflammatory effects include chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, and lentils. Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) are the basis of falafel and hummus. Use beans to supplement or replace meat in tacos, chili con carne, or salads.

Used dried, NOT canned chickpeas.

They'll throw off the ratios in this recipe, and they'll make the patties too wet and mushy. In order to achieve the light texture of traditional falafel, you MUST use dried chickpeas here. Soak them overnight (but don't cook them!) before making the recipe.

It can be eaten daily but in moderation, if not in some people it may cause bloating an abdominal discomfort. Is falafel a healthy protein source? Falafel is a plant-based protein champ, filled with proteins from chickpeas or fava beans. It's a fitting choice for vegetarians or vegans.

Falafel has a good amount of micronutrients plus it is a good source of protein and fiber. This helps in curbing one's appetite, lowers one's risk of chronic disease, and supports healthy blood sugar. All these qualities put Falafel in the diabetes-friendly category.

The difference in quality between canned and dry chickpeas is negligible, so the choice comes down to your preference for convenience or customization.

Can you make chickpea flour with canned chickpeas? You can. But you'll need to dehydrate them before making flour. You can do this by drying them out in the oven or using a dehydrator.

Before consumption, you have to soak them in water for a couple of hours, and then cook them for at least 45 minutes (to reduce cooking time, use an instant pot). You can then add them to different recipes and preparations. On the other hand, canned chickpeas are already pre-cooked and, most of the time, pre-seasoned.

Learn why straining and rinsing your beans is an important step—plus other ways to make the most of your legumes.