Zesty Turkish Falafels

Turkish falafels are a delightful and savory treat that perfectly combines the flavors of the Mediterranean. Made primarily from soaked chickpeas, these falafels are rich in protein and fiber, providing a healthy and satisfying meal. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley and coriander adds a burst of freshness, while garlic and spices bring depth and warmth. These falafels are wonderfully crispy on the outside, yet tender and flavorful inside. They're versatile and can be served as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or as a main dish alongside salads or vegetables. Perfect for vegetarians and vegans, they're a nutritious choice for anyone looking to enjoy plant-based cuisine. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a simple family meal, Turkish falafels are sure to impress. With a straightforward preparation process, they can be made ahead and cooked when needed. Dive into this recipe to create a dish that's packed with aroma, taste, and texture.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups soaked chickpeas (preferably soaked for 24 hours)
• 1 small onion
• 1 cup freshly chopped parsley
• A handful of fresh coriander
• 3-5 cloves garlic
• 1 ½ tbsp rice flour (optional)

Spices:

• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp black pepper, or more to taste
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, more if you prefer it spicier
• A few pinches of freshly ground cardamom

For Frying:

• Coconut oil or ghee

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse the soaked chickpeas thoroughly and transfer them to a food processor or blender. If you have a hand blender, use a large bowl.
2. Add the onion, parsley, coriander, garlic, and all the spices to the blender, leaving out the oil for frying.
3. Blend the mixture until it achieves a somewhat smooth, consistent texture. It doesn’t have to be completely smooth, but there shouldn’t be large chunks.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and check for any large bits of chickpeas that might remain. Remove these to ensure an even texture.
5. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more spices if it feels like something is missing.
6. Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
7. Heat a pan with the oil of your choice over medium heat, ensuring there is enough oil to cover at least half of the falafels once added.
8. Gently add the falafel balls to the hot oil. Be careful to not overcrowd the pan.
9. Fry the falafels, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
10. Remove the falafels from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
11. Serve warm with your choice of sauce or as part of a larger dish.
12. Enjoy your freshly made Turkish falafels! They are best enjoyed while warm and crispy.

Tips

• Substitutions: If you're not a fan of rice flour or don't have any, you can skip it or use chickpea flour.
• Oil Choice: Both coconut oil and ghee work well; choose based on personal dietary preferences.
• Texture: Don't over-process the mixture to ensure a pleasant texture. Small bits of chickpea should remain.

Best Places

• The Green Bean Café - Known for its vegetarian offerings, this café provides a cozy atmosphere and delicious falafels. Location: 33 Main St, San Francisco, USA.
• Falafel House - Offers a variety of falafel dishes, from wraps to salads. Location: 57 Market Rd, Sydney, Australia.
• Middle Eastern Delights - This spot is celebrated for its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, including perfectly spiced falafels. Location: 120 Tahrir St, Cairo, Egypt.
• Chickpea Gourmet - Known for organic and fresh ingredients, this restaurant offers a great selection of falafel dishes. Location: 89 King St, Toronto, Canada.
• Spice Route Café - Offers a unique blend of spices in their falafels, giving an exotic twist to traditional recipes. Location: 74 Spice St, New Delhi, India.
• Levant Flavor - Serves some of the best falafels in town with a choice of sauces. Location: 23 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Falafel Haven - A local favorite for its fast service and mouth-watering falafels. Location: 48 High St, London, UK.
• Mediterranean Eats - Offers a mix of traditional and modern Mediterranean dishes, including stellar falafels. Location: 150 Mediterranean Ln, Barcelona, Spain.
• Taste of Istanbul - Combines traditional Turkish flavors in their falafel dishes. Location: 100 Bosphorus Rd, Istanbul, Turkey.
• Cafe Oasis - A relaxed place to enjoy flavorful falafels among other healthy options. Location: 200 Garden Ave, Cape Town, South Africa.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a side of hummus or tzatziki.
• Pair falafels with a fresh salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
• Wrap in a pita along with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a delightful sandwich.
• Accompany with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.