Homemade Vegan Falafel: Perfectly Crispy and Healthy!

Falafel is a beloved Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with fresh herbs, spices, and other flavor-packed ingredients.

Traditionally deep-fried to golden perfection, falafel is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a perfect vegan-friendly snack or meal.

Whether you’re new to falafel or an experienced cook, making it at home is a rewarding experience.

Not only will you enjoy the freshest flavors, but you’ll also have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more personalized version of this popular dish.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare vegan falafel from scratch, including a step-by-step recipe, key ingredients, and helpful cooking tips. Let’s dive into the world of falafel!

What is Falafel?

Falafel is a deep-fried or baked ball made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, combined with a fragrant mix of herbs, onions, garlic, and spices.

It is typically served in pita bread or flatbreads, accompanied by salads, sauces, and dips like hummus or tahini.

Originating in the Middle East, falafel has become a staple food in many countries, with each culture offering its own twist.

While the traditional version uses fava beans, chickpeas are a common alternative in modern recipes, particularly in vegan diets.

The crispy exterior, combined with a tender, flavorful interior, makes falafel a satisfying option for plant-based meals.

Key Ingredients for Vegan Falafel

To make your falafel truly exceptional, it’s essential to use the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Chickpeas (or Fava Beans)
Chickpeas are the most commonly used base for falafel. Their firm texture and mild flavor provide the perfect canvas for herbs and spices. If you prefer, you can substitute chickpeas with fava beans, which offer a slightly different flavor and texture.

Fresh Herbs
Parsley and cilantro are the two essential herbs in falafel. They bring freshness and vibrant flavor, balancing the spices. Freshness is key here, so use freshly chopped herbs for the best taste.

Spices
Cumin, coriander, garlic, and onion are the typical spices that give falafel its distinctive flavor. Ground cumin and coriander add depth and warmth, while garlic and onion provide a savory base.

Baking Soda
Baking soda helps lighten the texture of the falafel, making them less dense and more airy when fried or baked.

Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil
The oil you choose will impact the flavor and texture of your falafel. For frying, vegetable oil or canola oil works well, while olive oil can add a nice richness when baking.

Lemon Juice and Tahini
Lemon juice provides a zesty kick that brightens the flavors, while tahini (sesame paste) adds creaminess, perfect for a well-rounded falafel.

Salt and Pepper
These essential seasonings enhance the overall taste, so don’t skip them!

How to Make Vegan Falafel from Scratch

Making falafel from scratch is a simple, step-by-step process. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Soaking the Chickpeas

Start by soaking your dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. It’s essential to soak them for at least 12 hours. Canned chickpeas won’t work well here, as they are too soft and can make your falafel mixture too mushy. Once soaked, drain and rinse the chickpeas before using them in the recipe.

Step 2: Preparing the Herb and Spice Mixture

Finely chop the parsley and cilantro. You want them to be finely minced so they integrate smoothly into the mixture. Similarly, chop the onion and garlic into small pieces to ensure an even texture. Toast the cumin and coriander lightly in a pan for a minute or two to bring out their flavor.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients in a Food Processor

Place the drained chickpeas, chopped herbs, garlic, onion, and spices into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but holds together when pressed. Avoid over-processing; you want a slightly chunky texture, not a smooth paste. Add the baking soda, lemon juice, tahini, salt, and pepper, then pulse again until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Chilling the Falafel Mixture

Once your mixture is ready, transfer it to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial, as it helps the falafel hold their shape during cooking.

Cooking Methods for Vegan Falafel

There are two main methods for cooking falafel: frying and baking. Both methods yield delicious results, but they offer different textures and health benefits.

Frying Falafel

Frying is the traditional method and results in the classic crispy, golden exterior with a soft, flavorful interior. To fry your falafel, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for about 3-4 minutes until they’re golden brown and crisp on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Baking Falafel (Healthier Option)

For a lighter alternative, baking falafel works just as well. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil. Shape your falafel into balls or patties and place them on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel are golden and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Falafel

Creating the perfect vegan falafel takes a few key tips to ensure they turn out crispy, flavorful, and not falling apart. Here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Don’t Over-Blend the Mixture

One common mistake when making falafel is over-blending the mixture in the food processor. You want the chickpeas to remain slightly chunky, so blend just until the mixture is combined. Over-blending can make the falafel dense and heavy, so aim for a texture that holds together but still has a bit of bite.

2. Chilling the Mixture is Essential

It may seem tempting to skip this step, but chilling the falafel mixture is crucial. This allows the ingredients to bind together and prevents the falafel from falling apart when frying or baking. Be sure to chill the mixture for at least one hour to get the best results.

3. Adjust the Seasoning to Taste

Falafel is all about bold flavors. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you like more heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also experiment with adding extra herbs like dill or mint for a fresh twist.

4. Use the Right Oil for Frying

If you’re frying your falafel, make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before dropping in the falafel balls. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the falafel will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Conversely, oil that’s too hot can burn the falafel before they cook through. Use a deep-frying thermometer for the best results.

5. Shape the Falafel with Wet Hands

When forming the falafel balls or patties, wet your hands with water or a little bit of oil to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands. This ensures a smooth, easy shaping process and makes it easier to form even-sized falafel.

Vegan Falafel Serving Suggestions

Once your falafel is ready, there are countless ways to serve them. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, in a wrap, or as part of a hearty meal, here are some delicious serving ideas to enjoy your vegan falafel:

1. Classic Falafel Wrap

A falafel wrap is a simple, yet satisfying way to enjoy this dish. Take a warm pita or flatbread and stuff it with falafel balls, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Drizzle with tahini sauce or a vegan yogurt dressing for added creaminess and flavor. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or cilantro on top for extra freshness.

2. Falafel Bowl

For a more substantial meal, build a falafel bowl. Start with a base of quinoa, couscous, or rice. Add your falafel, along with a variety of toppings such as sliced avocado, roasted vegetables, pickled onions, and a side of hummus. Finish off with a drizzle of tahini or a squeeze of lemon for extra zest.

3. Falafel Salad

Falafel also pairs wonderfully with a light salad. Arrange your falafel on a plate of mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Add a tahini-based dressing or a zesty lemon vinaigrette to complement the falafel. This makes for a fresh, healthy meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

4. Falafel Platter

For a Mediterranean-inspired platter, serve your falafel alongside other classic dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and roasted vegetables. Pair everything with warm pita bread, and you’ll have a feast that’s both colorful and delicious. This is perfect for serving at gatherings or family meals.

5. Vegan Falafel with Vegan Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki is a popular yogurt-based sauce that complements falafel perfectly. For a vegan version, you can use coconut or almond-based yogurt. Mix the yogurt with cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill for a creamy, refreshing dip to serve alongside your falafel.

Storing and Reheating Vegan Falafel

If you have leftovers or want to make falafel in advance, storing and reheating them properly ensures they remain delicious and crispy.

Storing Vegan Falafel

To store vegan falafel, allow them to cool completely after cooking. Place the falafel in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them to prevent them from sticking together.

For longer storage, you can freeze falafel. Place the falafel in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Vegan Falafel

To reheat refrigerated falafel, you can simply pop them into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy. If reheating frozen falafel, bake them directly from frozen at the same temperature for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

Alternatively, you can reheat falafel in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. This helps restore some of the crispiness on the outside while warming the inside.

Conclusion

Making vegan falafel at home is a fun and rewarding experience that results in a flavorful, protein-packed meal perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients, a few simple techniques, and some helpful tips, you can enjoy falafel that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you choose to fry or bake your falafel, the recipe is versatile and customizable to your tastes.

Serve them in wraps, salads, or bowls, and pair them with delicious dips and sauces for a meal that’s satisfying, nutritious, and vegan-friendly. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly to enjoy them again, and if you haven’t already, try making your own falafel at home – you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Falafel

1. Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?

While it’s best to use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight for the best texture, you can use canned chickpeas in a pinch. However, be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using. The texture may be slightly softer, so your falafel may not hold together as well without the right chilling time.

2. Can I make falafel gluten-free?

Yes, falafel is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid using any wheat-based ingredients. If you’re using breadcrumbs or flour in the recipe, simply substitute them with gluten-free options such as chickpea flour or rice flour.

3. How can I make my falafel spicier?

To add more spice to your falafel, incorporate ingredients like cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a bit of harissa paste. You can also serve your falafel with a spicy sauce or dip to enhance the heat.

4. What can I do if my falafel mixture is too dry?

If your falafel mixture feels too dry and doesn’t come together, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil at a time until it reaches the right consistency. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together when shaped but not too wet or sticky.

5. Can I make falafel ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the falafel mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can form the falafel into balls and freeze them, then cook them straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them.