Who knew something vegan could be so good?
The recipe that I used is adapted from Eating Bird Food
Ingredients:
Makes about 8-10 falafels -
- 1 15-oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1.5 tsp minced garlic (or 3 cloves)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/8 cup fresh mint, chopped
- salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup panko, divided into 2 parts
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil + an additional 3 tablespoons if you would like to get them crispier
- alternatively, you can use olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 3 tablespoons of self-rising flour
- alternatively, you can use 3 tablespoons of flour and add 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- pinch of paprika (optional)
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- some cilantro, if you feel like it (optional)
Instructions:
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, add chickpeas, red onion, garlic, parsley, mint, salt, 1/4 cup panko, 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, juice of lemon, cumin, coriander, cayenne (if using), paprika (if using), and cilantro (if using). Using a potato masher, mash everything together until you get a mostly smooth consistency, with the occasional chickpea chunk.
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Add the flour and mix until incorporated.
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Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
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Lightly grease a baking sheet (I like to put aluminum foil on the baking sheet and grease the foil - makes for an easier clean up).
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From the falafel mixture, spoon out small quantities and roll them into a circular shape using your hands. Sprinkle with some panko before placing it on the baking sheet. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used.
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Bake for ~12 minutes, flip the falafel patties, and return to bake for another ~12 minutes.
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Stop here if you would like true baked falafel. If you’re like me and like them with a little more crisp in them, continue reading.
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On small-medium skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil. Add the falafel and cook for a few minutes until they brown a little. Once you reach desired crispiness, flip the falafel and repeat.
- Remove from heat and serve hot. I like making a falafel bowl - recipe linked here