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Fresh Herb Falafel

Image may contain Bread Food Pita Food Presentation and Sandwich
Photo by Marcus Nilsson

A coarse texture is absolutely key; if the chickpeas are too finely chopped, the falafel will be dense.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    8 Servings

Ingredients

8

ounces dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, drained

1

/2 onion, coarsely chopped

1

jalapeño, coarsely chopped

1

garlic clove, crushed

3

/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1

/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

3

tablespoons chickpea flour

2

1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1

teaspoon baking powder

1

teaspoon ground cardamom

1

/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Vegetable oil (for frying; about 8 cups)

Shredded Cabbage Salad and Spiced Green Tahini Sauce and warm thick pita with pockets (for serving)

Special equipment:

A deep-fry thermometer

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pulse chickpeas in a food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until they resemble finely chopped nuts (the texture should be uneven, with some slightly larger pieces visible), about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl.

    Step 2

    Pulse onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and parsley in food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until coarsely chopped, about 1 minute. Mix into chickpeas, then mix in chickpea flour, salt, baking powder, cardamom, and cumin. Form into ping-pong–size balls.

    Step 3

    Pour oil into a large heavy pot to a depth of 3". Fit pot with thermometer and heat oil over medium-high until thermometer registers 330°F. Working in batches, cook falafel, turning occasionally, until deep brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels; let sit 5 minutes. Serve falafel with salad, tahini sauce, and pita.