Falafels, vegan and gluten-free

Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish, though it originated in Egypt, where it was initially made from fava beans. It's enjoyed not only by vegetarians for its unique flavor and crispy texture, but by everyone else as well. Made from chickpeas, it's naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those following a gluten-free diet. Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, and easy to make, falafel can be enjoyed on its own, with raw vegetables, or with sauces like hummus or tahini.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Rest time: 12 hours

Total time 12 hrs 25 mins

Cooking method: Ninja Foodi , Traditional

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Special diet: naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

250 g dried chickpeas (soaked for at least 12 hours)
1 onion , finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 bunch of fresh parsley
1 bunch of fresh coriander (optional)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp baking soda
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

1
Preparing the chickpeas: After soaking them, drain and dry the chickpeas carefully.
2
Mixture: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro (if using), cumin, ground coriander, baking soda, salt and pepper . Mix until you obtain a grainy but homogeneous paste. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water to bind it without getting too wet.
3
Rest: Place the falafel dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up and make shaping easier.
4
Forming the falafels: Once rested, form small balls (or pancakes) with the dough. Make sure they are very compact so that they do not fall apart during cooking.
5
Cooking: In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil over medium heat. Dip the meatballs and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil. You can also cook them in your airfryer, Ninja foodi for me, for 20 minutes in the airfry. Or in bake, 15 minutes and 5 minutes in airfry.
6
Serving: Serve your gluten-free falafels hot, accompanied by salad and sauces of your choice based on tahini (sesame paste) or yogurt.

Note

You can also bake the falafels in the oven at 200°C for 20 to 25 minutes for a lighter version. Brush them lightly with oil so they brown nicely. These falafels will keep in the refrigerator for a few days and can be frozen once cooked for quick meals.

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