Granny's Falafel

Transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Middle East with Granny's Falafel, a traditional recipe bursting with authentic flavors and homemade charm. Made from soaked dried chickpeas, fresh parsley, and cilantro, this family-favorite dish combines aromatic spices like cumin and coriander with a touch of heat from optional cayenne pepper. The falafel mixture is hand-shaped into perfectly crisp and golden-brown bites, fried to perfection in sizzling vegetable oil. Whether served tucked into warm pita bread, atop a fresh salad, or drizzled with creamy tahini sauce, Granny’s Falafel is the ultimate comfort food for vegetarians and vegans alike. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and gatherings. Experience the magic of homemade falafel that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 1 cup, packed fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup, packed fresh cilantro
• 4 large, minced garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon (optional) cayenne pepper
• 2 cups (for frying) vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and soak the dried chickpeas in plenty of water overnight or for at least 12 hours. Drain and dry them thoroughly before using.

Step 2

In a food processor, add the soaked and drained chickpeas, diced onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 3

Pulse the mixture in the food processor until it forms a coarse, grainy paste. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed. The mixture should hold together when pressed, but it shouldn’t be overly smooth.

Step 4

Transfer the falafel mixture to a bowl. Stir in the baking powder and flour to bind the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.

Step 5

Once chilled, use your hands or a falafel scoop to form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C). Test the oil with a small piece of the mixture—it should sizzle and float to the surface.

Step 7

Fry the falafel balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy all over.

Step 8

Transfer the fried falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 9

Serve Granny’s Falafel hot with pita bread, tahini sauce, chopped vegetables, or as part of a salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(926.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4527.0

Total Fat 432.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 268.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4094.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 166.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.1g	0%
Total Sugars 30.0g
Protein 46.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 437.7mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 2781.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.0%

Protein: 3.9%

Carbs: 14.1%