Greek falafel, also known as "revithokeftedes," is a delicious and healthy dish that has been enjoyed in Greece for centuries. Made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices, this vegetarian treat is bursting with flavor and is a staple in Greek cuisine. While there are many variations of falafel, this authentic Greek recipe will transport your taste buds to the streets of Athens and give you a true taste of the Mediterranean.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Dried Chickpeas, Red Onion, Fresh Parsley
Baked falafel is a healthier twist on the traditional fried falafel. It's easy to make and packed with flavor. The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior make it a perfect addition to any meal. Serve it as an appetizer, in a pita sandwich, or as a topping for a salad.
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Baked Falafel Patties with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Onion, Chopped Parsley, Chopped Cilantro
These baked falafel patties are a delicious and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. They are made with a tasty blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, and are baked to perfection. Top them off with a creamy and tangy yogurt-tahini sauce for the ultimate flavor combination.
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Falafel Pita Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Garbanzo Beans, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Cilantro
Falafel pita sandwiches are a popular street food in the Middle East and are loved for their delicious and satisfying flavors. They are made with warm pita bread, filled with crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and drizzled with a creamy sauce. It's a perfect on-the-go meal that is both filling and healthy.
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Falafel
Main Ingredients: Dried Chickpeas, Water, White Onion, Fresh Cilantro
Falafel is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is loved by people all over the world. It's made with ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices and is deep-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It's typically served as a street food or as part of a mezze platter.
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Easy Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Garlic, Lemon, Cumin, All Purpose Flour
If you love falafel but don't want to go through the hassle of frying, this easy falafel recipe is for you. It's made with the same delicious ingredients but is baked instead of fried, making it a healthier and easier option. These baked falafel balls are just as crispy and flavorful as the traditional ones.
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Crispy Baked Falafel
Main Ingredients: Dried Chickpeas, Red Onion, Fresh Parsley, Garlic
This crispy baked falafel recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version. These falafel balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like the fried ones. They are also gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Falafel Sauce (Taratoor)
Main Ingredients: Lemon, Tahini, Salt, Water
Falafel is often served with a delicious and tangy sauce called taratoor. This sauce is made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, and is the perfect accompaniment to falafel. It adds a creamy and zesty flavor to the dish and takes it to a whole new level.
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Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Cilantro Leaves
Falafel is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served as an appetizer, in a pita sandwich, or even as a topping for a salad. It's a great option for vegetarians and vegans, and is packed with protein and nutrients.
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Easy Homemade Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Lemon Juice, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Chopped
If you've always wanted to make falafel at home but thought it was too complicated, this easy homemade falafel recipe is for you. It only requires a few simple ingredients and can be made in just a few easy steps. You'll be amazed at how delicious and authentic it tastes!
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Falafel Curry
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Tomato Puree, Coconut Milk, Oil, Salt, Ginger
This falafel curry is a fusion of two delicious dishes – falafel and curry. It combines the crispy texture of falafel with the creamy and flavorful curry sauce. It's a unique and tasty way to enjoy falafel and is sure to become a family favorite.
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Traditional Falafel
Main Ingredients: Water, Clove, Onion, Coriander, Cumin, Parsley, Salt
There's nothing quite like the traditional falafel you find on the streets of the Middle East. It's made with the perfect blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, and is deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Serve it with some pita bread, veggies, and sauce for the ultimate falafel experience.
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Falafel Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Fresh Cilantro, Tahini, Water, Fresh Lemon Juice
If you're looking for a lighter and healthier way to enjoy falafel, try these falafel lettuce wraps. They are made with crispy falafel balls, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce, all wrapped up in a crisp lettuce leaf. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
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Homemade Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Parsley, Garlic Cloves, All Purpose Flour
This homemade falafel recipe is perfect for those who want to have control over the ingredients used in their food. It's made with simple and wholesome ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Plus, making it at home means you can have falafel whenever you want!
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Falafel Waffles with Tzatziki Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Milk
Who says waffles are just for breakfast? These falafel waffles are a fun and unique way to enjoy falafel. They are made with a falafel batter and cooked in a waffle iron until crispy and golden brown. Serve them with a refreshing and creamy tzatziki sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Lentil Falafel
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Parsley, Cilantro, Chickpea Flour, Lemon
For a twist on the traditional chickpea falafel, try making lentil falafel. It's made with red lentils and a blend of herbs and spices, giving it a slightly different flavor and texture. It's a great option for those who are looking for a protein-rich and gluten-free alternative to the classic falafel.
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Vegan Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Parsley, Coriander, Garlic, Cracked Wheat
Falafel is naturally vegan, but sometimes it's hard to find a good vegan option when eating out. That's why making your own vegan falafel at home is a great idea. This recipe uses all plant-based ingredients and is just as tasty as the traditional version.
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Falafel – Step by Step Falafel Recipe (V+GF)
Main Ingredients: Garbanzo Beans, Cold Water, Large Onion, Parsley
This step by step falafel recipe is perfect for those who are new to making falafel. It breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps and includes tips and tricks for getting the perfect texture and flavor. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
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Quick and Easy Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Onion, Garlic, Fresh Parsley, Chopped Fresh
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious falafel meal, this quick and easy falafel recipe is for you. It only takes 20 minutes to make and uses canned chickpeas for convenience. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want a healthy and satisfying meal.
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Chickpea-falafel Burger
Main Ingredients: Oats, Chickpeas, Garlic Cloves, Green Onions, Egg
Why have a regular veggie burger when you can have a chickpea-falafel burger? This delicious and hearty burger is made with a falafel patty, topped with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce. It's a great option for a meatless meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
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Homemade Baked Falafel
Main Ingredients: Small Yellow Onion, Fresh Cilantro, Fresh Parsley
This homemade baked falafel recipe is perfect for those who want to avoid frying but still crave that crispy outer layer. It uses a combination of baking and broiling to achieve the perfect texture and is just as tasty as the fried version. It's a great option for a healthier twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients:
For the falafel:
1 cup dried chickpeas
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
Oil for frying
For the tzatziki sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Start by soaking the dried chickpeas in water overnight. They will double in size, so make sure to use a large enough container. The next day, drain and rinse the chickpeas.
In a food processor, add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined, but not pureed. You want some texture in your falafel.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the flour and baking powder. Mix everything together until the flour is fully incorporated.
Heat oil in a large pot or deep fryer. You can use vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil for frying. Make sure the oil is hot, but not smoking.
Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form the falafel mixture into small balls. Gently drop them into the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Remove the falafel from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
To make the tzatziki sauce, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and salt. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Serve the falafel hot with the tzatziki sauce on the side. You can also serve them in a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for a traditional Greek falafel sandwich.
Why This Recipe is Authentic:
In Greece, falafel is typically made with dried chickpeas, not canned. Soaking the chickpeas overnight not only softens them, but it also helps the falafel hold its shape when frying. Using a combination of fresh herbs and spices gives the falafel its distinct flavor, and the addition of baking powder makes them light and fluffy on the inside.
The tzatziki sauce is a staple in Greek cuisine and pairs perfectly with the falafel. It's made with simple ingredients and adds a cool and refreshing element to the dish. You can also serve the falafel with a side of Greek salad or hummus for a complete meal.
In Conclusion:
This authentic Greek falafel recipe is a must-try for any food lover. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and a healthier alternative to traditional fried dishes. So go ahead and give it a try, and let your taste buds take a trip to the beautiful country of Greece.