legumes
vegan
pan-fried
everyday
main course
crispy
Middle Eastern
all seasons
Hot
Lebanese Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Difficulty
medium
Time
55m
Price Category
average
Calories
High
Taste one of the Middle East's most beloved street foods, the crispy falafel, golden brown on the outside and soft and spicy on the inside. This vegan delight is a perfect choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner. We serve the freshly fried falafel balls with a creamy tahini sauce, offering an irresistible taste experience. Prepare this authentic recipe at home and bring the flavors of Lebanon to your kitchen!
ingredients
Steps
Prepare Chickpeas
Rinse the soaked chickpeas thoroughly and drain them. It's important not to cook them, just soak!
Falafel Mixture
In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped red onion, garlic, fresh parsley, and cilantro. Add the ground cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pulse until you get a coarse but homogeneous mixture. Do not over-process; some small pieces should remain. Stir in the all-purpose flour and baking soda.
Form and Chill
Form the mixture into walnut-sized balls or flatter patties. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
Tahini Sauce
While the falafel chills, prepare the tahini sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Gradually add cold water, stirring continuously, until you achieve a creamy yet pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
Fry Falafel
Heat plenty of vegetable oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to medium-high heat (about 170-180°C / 340-350°F). Carefully place the falafel balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve
Serve the freshly fried falafel immediately with the creamy tahini sauce. You can offer them in pita bread with fresh salad and vegetables.
Extra Tips
► Make sure to soak the chickpeas overnight and do not cook them, as raw chickpeas give falafel its proper texture.
► Add water to the tahini sauce gradually until you achieve the desired creamy yet pourable consistency.
► Serve in pita bread with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce for a complete experience.
Nutrition
| Per 100g | Per Serving 200g / 7 oz | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal | 700 kcal |
| Protein | 12g | 24g |
| Fat | 25g | 50g |
| Carbohydrate | 20g | 40g |
| Fiber | 7g | 14g |
| Sugar | 1g | 2g |