17 Traditional Indian Falafel Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that has gained popularity all over the world. This deep-fried ball or patty made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices is not only delicious but also a great source of protein and fiber. While most people associate falafel with the Middle East, there are many variations of the dish found in different parts of the world. One such variation is the traditional Indian falafel, which combines the flavors of India with the beloved chickpea-based dish. Let's take a closer look at this unique and mouthwatering recipe.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Dried Chickpeas, Red Onion, Fresh Parsley
Baked falafel is a healthier twist on the classic fried version, but still has all the same delicious flavors. Made with a blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, these crispy patties are perfect for topping salads or stuffing into pita sandwiches.
2of 20
Baked Falafel Patties with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Onion, Chopped Parsley, Chopped Cilantro
These baked falafel patties are loaded with flavor and are served with a creamy yogurt-tahini sauce that takes them to the next level. The patties are made with a mix of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, and then baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
3of 20
Falafel Pita Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Garbanzo Beans, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Cilantro
Pita sandwiches filled with falafel, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of sauce are a classic and delicious way to enjoy this popular Middle Eastern dish. The falafel adds a satisfying crunch and protein boost to the sandwich, while the veggies and sauce provide a refreshing and flavorful balance.
4of 20
Falafel
Main Ingredients: Dried Chickpeas, Water, White Onion, Fresh Cilantro
Falafel is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is loved all over the world for its crispy texture and flavorful blend of spices. Made primarily with chickpeas, this dish is usually served as a patty or ball and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from sandwiches to bowls.
5of 20
Easy Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Garlic, Lemon, Cumin, All Purpose Flour
Making falafel at home doesn't have to be a daunting task. This easy falafel recipe uses simple ingredients and can be made in just a few steps. Serve it as a vegetarian main course or as a tasty appetizer for your next gathering.
6of 20
Crispy Baked Falafel
Main Ingredients: Dried Chickpeas, Red Onion, Fresh Parsley, Garlic
This crispy baked falafel is a healthier and easier alternative to the traditional fried version. Made with a blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, these patties are baked until golden brown and crispy, making them a guilt-free and delicious option.
7of 20
Falafel Sauce (Taratoor)
Main Ingredients: Lemon, Tahini, Salt, Water
Taratoor, also known as falafel sauce, is a creamy and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with falafel. Made with ingredients like tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, this sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor to any falafel dish.
8of 20
Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Cilantro Leaves
Traditional falafel is made with a blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices and is usually fried to achieve a crispy exterior. This classic version is a must-try for falafel lovers and can be served in a variety of ways, from sandwiches to salads.
9of 20
Easy Homemade Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Lemon Juice, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Chopped
Skip the store-bought falafel mix and make your own at home with this easy homemade falafel recipe. With just a few ingredients and simple instructions, you can create flavorful and crispy falafel patties that are perfect for any meal.
10of 20
Falafel Curry
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Tomato Puree, Coconut Milk, Oil, Salt, Ginger
Take your falafel to the next level by turning it into a delicious curry dish. This fusion recipe combines traditional falafel with a creamy and flavorful curry sauce, making for a unique and satisfying meal.
11of 20
Traditional Falafel
Main Ingredients: Water, Clove, Onion, Coriander, Cumin, Parsley, Salt
For those who prefer the traditional method, this recipe for falafel sticks to the classic ingredients and cooking technique. Serve it with your favorite dip or sauce for a delicious and authentic experience.
12of 20
Falafel Lettuce Wraps
Main Ingredients: Fresh Cilantro, Tahini, Water, Fresh Lemon Juice
For a lighter and healthier option, try serving your falafel in lettuce wraps instead of pita bread. The crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch to the flavorful falafel, making for a delicious and guilt-free meal.
13of 20
Homemade Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Parsley, Garlic Cloves, All Purpose Flour
Making falafel from scratch is easier than you might think, and it allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. This homemade falafel recipe uses a mix of spices and herbs to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
14of 20
Falafel Waffles with Tzatziki Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Yellow Onion, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Milk
Put a unique spin on your falafel by turning it into waffles. These savory waffles are made with chickpeas, herbs, and spices, and are topped with a tangy and refreshing tzatziki sauce for a delicious and unexpected combination.
15of 20
Lentil Falafel
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Parsley, Cilantro, Chickpea Flour, Lemon
For a twist on the classic falafel, try using lentils as the main ingredient instead of chickpeas. These lentil falafel patties are baked until crispy and are loaded with protein and flavor, making them a nutritious and tasty option.
16of 20
Vegan Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Parsley, Coriander, Garlic, Cracked Wheat
This vegan falafel recipe is perfect for those following a plant-based diet. Made with a blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, this dish is a great source of protein and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
17of 20
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 beginners, as it breaks down the process into easy-to-follow instructions. Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
18of 20
Quick and Easy Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Onion, Garlic, Fresh Parsley, Chopped Fresh
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy homemade falafel, this quick and easy recipe is for you. Using canned chickpeas and a few key spices, you can whip up a batch of crispy and flavorful falafel in no time.
19of 20
Chickpea-falafel Burger
Main Ingredients: Oats, Chickpeas, Garlic Cloves, Green Onions, Egg
Take your falafel to the next level by turning it into a juicy and flavorful burger. This recipe combines all the delicious flavors of falafel into a patty that can be grilled or fried and served on a bun with your favorite toppings.
20of 20
Homemade Baked Falafel
Main Ingredients: Small Yellow Onion, Fresh Cilantro, Fresh Parsley
This homemade baked falafel recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthier version of the classic dish. Instead of frying, these falafel patties are baked until crispy and served with a creamy and flavorful sauce for a guilt-free and delicious meal.
The Origin of Traditional Indian Falafel
The Influence of Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is known for its rich and bold flavors, and it has influenced many dishes around the world. The traditional Indian falafel is believed to have originated in the state of Gujarat, known for its vegetarian cuisine. The dish is a fusion of Indian spices and herbs with the Middle Eastern staple, chickpeas. It is said that the Indian version of falafel was created to cater to the vegetarian population in Gujarat, who could not consume the traditional meat-based falafel.
The Role of Chickpeas in Indian Cuisine
Chickpeas, also known as chana or chole in Hindi, are a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine. They are used in a variety of dishes, from curries to snacks. The use of chickpeas in the traditional Indian falafel adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish. The chickpeas are soaked overnight and then ground with herbs and spices to create a smooth and flavorful batter. This batter is then deep-fried to make crispy and delicious falafel balls.
The Ingredients and Preparation
The Main Ingredients
The traditional Indian falafel recipe uses the following main ingredients:
1. Chickpeas: As mentioned earlier, chickpeas are the star ingredient in this dish. They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
2. Spices and herbs: Indian cuisine is known for its use of a wide variety of spices and herbs. The traditional Indian falafel recipe uses a blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to add a burst of flavor to the dish.
3. Onions and garlic: These aromatic vegetables are used to add depth and flavor to the falafel.
The Preparation Process
To make traditional Indian falafel, the chickpeas are soaked overnight and then ground with the spices, herbs, onions, and garlic. The batter is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The falafel can be enjoyed on its own or served with dips such as mint chutney or tamarind sauce.
In Conclusion
Traditional Indian falafel is a delicious fusion of Indian and Middle Eastern flavors. It is a great option for vegetarians and anyone looking to try a unique and flavorful variation of the traditional falafel dish. With its high nutritional value and delicious taste, it's no wonder that this dish has gained popularity not only in India but all over the world. So next time you're craving falafel, why not give the traditional Indian version a try?
![How to Make Falafel [the quick way] - Mommy's Home Cooking](https://mommyshomecooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/How-to-Make-Falafel-3-700x980.jpg)
