This is my super easy version of Falafel. It’s not traditional, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this isn’t the recipe for you, but it’s a quick, easy, and super tasty recipe when you’re into something with a Middle Eastern vibe. I love it because it uses canned chickpeas, and using dried chickpeas that are soaked overnight is more traditional, but I never remember soaking the beans and when I want falafel… In the words of Veruca Salt, “I am now want”:
This recipe also does not contain cilantro, which is commonly found in traditional recipes. If you like cilantro, you can certainly chop parsley with cilantro. I just didn’t have any on hand, so whole parsley was just how I made it the first time and since. This recipe may appeal to the world’s cilantro haters (up to 20% of the population) for whom cilantro tastes like soap. A trifle. Did you know there’s a genetic reason for this cilantro hatred? Apparently, in 2012, researchers at Cornell University discovered that there is one particular gene (OR6A2, an olfactory receptor) that causes some people to strongly dislike the taste of cilantro. So for those folks, you’re in luck with my unconventional, cilantro-free falafel.
Shelly’s Super Easy Falafel
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon Onion powder
1 teaspoon of Zaatar
1/4 cup Multigrain Pancake Mix
1/2 cup Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Drain the peas in the microwave for 3 minutes and mash with a potato masher or a fork. You want mash, but not mash. Add all other ingredients and mix well. Set aside for about 3 minutes while you make the Yogurt Dip. The mixture will harden a little and make it easier to form the patties.
Form 6 small (slider-sized) patties, flatten slightly and fry in oil (about 2 tablespoons) over medium heat. Flip when golden and cook until the other side is golden and crispy. About 8-10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel. Serve with warm yogurt or hummus (see my Homemade hummus recipe)
Update: had some questions about air frying…I have done them in a convection oven. 350 for about 15-17 minutes by going around once. I prefer the crispness of deep-fried (and adjust my diet to that cooking method), but they can also be made in the oven.
Yogurt Dip
1 cup Greek yogurt, plain
1 tablespoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of Zaatar
Salt and pepper to taste
Mix until combined. Refrigerate until serving.
These falafels are great with a small green salad, a Caprese (tomato, mozzarella, basil) salad, or a cucumber salad. Leftovers reheat really well. Serve with eggs for breakfast. I don’t eat bread, but if you do make those mini pitas, one of them would be great with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of yogurt.
Food fact. chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) provide almost 8 grams of protein per 1/2 cup.