Homemade Falafel with Tahini Sauce

Introduction

Discover the delightful flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this homemade falafel recipe. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, falafel is a popular vegetarian dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. Served alongside creamy tahini sauce and fresh salads, falafel is a beloved street food and a versatile dish enjoyed around the world.

History of Falafel

Falafel has ancient origins, with roots tracing back to Egypt and other parts of the Middle East. Originally crafted from fava beans, the modern version of falafel primarily uses chickpeas. Falafel gained popularity across the region and beyond, becoming a staple dish in Israeli, Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian cuisines. Today, falafel is celebrated globally for its delicious flavor and vegetarian-friendly appeal.

Ingredients

For Falafel:

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetable oil, for frying

For Tahini Sauce:

1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt, to taste

For Serving:

Pita bread or flatbread

Lettuce, shredded

Tomatoes, diced

Cucumber, sliced

Pickles, optional

Instructions

Making Falafel:

Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

Pulse the mixture until coarse and grainy but not completely smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

Form the chilled falafel mixture into small balls or patties. Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Making Tahini Sauce:

In a bowl, whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more water if needed.

Serving Falafel:

Warm pita bread or flatbread in a skillet or oven.

Stuff the bread with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and crispy falafel patties.

Drizzle with tahini sauce and serve with pickles on the side.

Keywords and Hashtags

#FalafelRecipe #MiddleEasternFood #VegetarianRecipes #HomemadeFalafel #TahiniSauce #ChickpeaRecipes #HealthyEating #StreetFood #InternationalCuisine #VegetarianDish

Enjoying Homemade Falafel

Homemade falafel with tahini sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish suitable for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. Serve falafel as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal or enjoy it as a standalone dish with your favorite toppings. This flavorful recipe captures the essence of Middle Eastern cooking and is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Gather your ingredients and savor the taste of homemade falafel today!