Chickpea Falafel with Aromatic Herb Sauce
Discover the vibrant flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with this exquisite Chickpea Falafel with Aromatic Herb Sauce. This dish perfectly balances the earthiness of chickpeas with the freshness of parsley and cilantro, creating a symphony of taste that dances on the palate. Perfect for a wholesome and satisfying dinner, this is the ideal dish for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, while also being mindful of common dietary and allergy considerations. Bon appétit!
Serves: 1, Difficulty: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 150 g chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
- 50 g onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 g parsley, chopped
- 15 g cilantro, chopped
- 1 g cumin powder
- 1 g coriander powder
- 1 g baking powder
- 10 g plain flour
- 2 g salt
- 1 g black pepper
- 50 ml vegetable oil (for frying)
Method
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and roughly blended. Do not over-process; the mixture should still have some texture.
- Form the mixture into small, round patties, about 4-5 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm thick. If the mixture is too sticky, you can slightly wet your hands to form the patties.
- In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Fry the falafel patties in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Tips
- Ensure chickpeas are thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
- For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of chili powder to the falafel mixture.
- Serve the falafel with a side of plain yogurt or a tahini sauce for a complete Middle Eastern experience.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 180 kcal (753 kJ) | 450 kcal (1883 kJ) |
| Fat | 8 g | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g | 2.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g | 55 g |
| Sugars | 2 g | 5 g |
| Proteins | 5 g | 12.5 g |
| Salt | 1 g | 2.5 g |
