The history of the falafel is an interesting one, and it goes back centuries. The dish is said to have been invented in Egypt during the 13th century and was made from fava beans and spices. It was then adopted by the Jewish diaspora and spread throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Today, falafel is a popular street food in many parts of the world and is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. It is often served as a sandwich, but can also be served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.
Now, let’s talk about how to make falafel bites at home! This recipe is easy to make and will make approximately 25-30 falafel bites.
Key Falafel Bite Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Food processor
- Baking sheet
- Large bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Falafel Cook Times:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
- Place the chickpeas, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, flour, olive oil, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor and process until everything is combined and the mixture becomes a thick paste
- Using a spoon, scoop the mixture onto a baking sheet and shape into bite-sized balls
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown
- Serve with your favorite garnishes and sauces
Garnishes/Sauces:
- Hummus
- Tzatziki
- Tahini
- Sliced cucumbers
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped onions
- Chopped olives
- Chopped parsley
- Drizzle of olive oil
Optional Way to Add Some Spice:
For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the falafel mixture before baking. Alternatively, you could also add a few drops of hot sauce to the mixture. Enjoy!
How about a great recipe for dinner tonight? This Chicken Biryani will be a fan favorite.