Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

  • Home
  • About
    • About me
    • About this site
    • About my photography
    • Privacy and Disclosure Policy
  • Recipes
    • Visual Archive
    • Regional Italian Recipes
  • Books
    • The Cool Side of Summer
    • Manu’s Christmas Menus
    • MsM’s Mobile App
  • Work With Me
    • Affiliate Sign-Up
    • Featured On
  • Out & About
    • Africa
      • South Africa 2019
    • Americas
      • Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize
      • CHILE AND ARGENTINA 2018
    • Asia
      • India
      • Japan 2015
      • Japan 2017
      • Japan 2018
      • Singapore
    • Europe
      • Slovenia and Croatia 2019
      • Italy 2019
    • Oceania
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti) 2017
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti)
      • New Caledonia
      • New Zealand
      • South Island – New Zealand Guide
  • Blogging Tips
    • Blogging Platform
    • Web Hosting
    • Technology Tips
    • Food Photography
    • Increasing Traffic to your Blog
    • Links
      • MsM in Your Kitchen
      • Events
        • 150 years of the Unification of Italy
        • Olio, Erbe e Fantasia – LILT
  • Tips
    • Techniques
      • Pasta and Gnocchi
      • Pizza and Other Doughs
      • Sauces and Other Basics
      • Decorations
    • Cake and Cookie decoration
      • Cake & Marshmallow Pops
        • Flowery Cake Pops
        • Hello Kitty Cake Pops
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake Pops
        • Christmas Tree Cake Pops
        • Sea Marshmallow Pops
      • Fondant Cakes
        • Moo Cake
        • South Pole Cake
        • Lola Cake
        • Hello Kitty Yogurt Cake
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Yogurt Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Fondant Cake
        • Sweet Sushi Mini Fondant Cakes
        • Peppa Pig Cake
        • Tinkerbell Cake
        • Miffy Cake
        • Olaf Yogurt Cake
        • Frozen Cake
      • Sugar Cookies
        • Heart Sugar Cookies
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Sugar Cookies
        • Christmas Tree Ornament Sugar Cookies
      • Eggless Sugar Cookies
        • Chinese New Year Cookies
        • St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
      • Shortbread Cookies
        • Shortbread and Chocolate Hearts
        • Baby Shower Shortbread Cookies
        • Flounder Shortbread Cookie Pops
      • Easy Chocolate Cookies
    • Conversion Tables
    • Gift Ideas
      • Christmas 2010
      • Christmas 2011
      • Christmas 2012
      • Christmas 2013
      • Christmas 2014
      • Christmas 2015
    • Ingredients
    • Where I Shop for Italian Food in Sydney
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Recipes / Appetisers / FALAFEL

FALAFEL

January 28, 2012 By Manu 41 Comments

The first time I ate falafel I was in Paris… as it often happened with Middle Eastern food that was almost unknown in Italy.  I am talking about 20+ years ago!  I still remember the shop I bought them from.  It was near Place des Vosges, in my favourite area of town: the Marais, which is also the most famous Jewish quarter in Paris, thus abounding in Middle Eastern and Jewish shops.  If you are ever in town, make sure to pay the area a visit, you will love it!  Probably as much as I love falafel!  Anyhow, many years (alas) have passed and I now know how to make falafel at home!  Thank God for that as in the meantime I moved to Australia and the Marais is a bit out of my way! 😉  I love eating mine in whole meal pita with hummus, tarator sauce or yogurt sauce, tomatoes and onions!  It makes a very hearty and healthy meal, especially if you bake them!  Enjoy and don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $50 or a $25 Amazon.com gift card!

 

Recipe adapted from Cooking and Me

Ingredients (makes around 15 falafels)

For the falafel
½ cup dry chickpeas, soaked overnight (or 1 cup tinned chickpeas*)
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp coriander powder
½ tsp red chilli powder
½ tsp minced or crushed garlic
1 bunch fresh coriander leaves, chopped
1 small red onion, chopped fine
1-2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2-3 tbsp plain flour (or crumbs from 2 slices of stale bread)
Salt to taste

Vegetable Oil to deep fry

For the yogurt sauce
½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper


Drain the soaked chickpeas on kitchen towels and drain out as much moisture as possible.

Put the chickpeas with all the rest of the ingredients into a food processor or mixer jar and grind until smooth and dry. You should be able to shape them easily into small discs. If the mixture is too moist or sticky at this stage, add a little bit more flour/breadcrumbs.

Shape into small discs and deep fry them on medium heat until dark brown on both sides.  Drain on kitchen towels

To make the yogurt sauce, simply mix all the ingredients together.

Serve with tomatoes, red onion rings, coriander leaves, hummus or tarator sauce or the yogurt sauce and warm whole meal pita.

Falafel

NOTE: You can also bake the falafel (I often do).  Just put them on a baking dish covered with baking paper, spray them with some olive oil and bake at 180ºC – 350ºF for about 20 minutes (depending on the size) or until golden brown.

Falafel

Share

Related Posts:

  • Roasted Bell Peppers
  • Middle-Eastern Chargrilled Pumpkin Salad
  • Eggplant Sofficini
  • Carciofi in Pinzimonio
  • MATAROCCO

Filed Under: Appetisers, Baking, Finger food, Mains, Middle Eastern, Sandwiches, Sauces, Snack, Street Food, Vegetables Tagged With: baked, chickpeas, coriander, dinner, falafel, fried, garlic, healthy, lemon, lunch, Middle East, Middle Eastern, onions, pita, tomatoes, vegan, vegetarian, yoghurt, yogurt

« SAUSAGE ROLLS
CHOCOLATE PANNA COTTA AND THE GIVEAWAY WINNERS »

Comments

  1. Maureen says

    January 28, 2012 at 10:28 pm

    I make falafel quite often but I’ve never baked them before. I love the crunch of fried but baked does sound a bit more healthy and that’s where I’m headed this year. I might give it a try just for fun.

    It’s funny that you ate them for the first time in Paris. I could easily live in Paris or anywhere in France. Australia is home though.

    Reply
  2. Eva kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com says

    January 29, 2012 at 12:46 am

    I adore chick peas (or garbonzo beans as they are sometimes known in Canada) but I don’t think I’ve ever had this. I like that you can bake them for a similar effect and taste! I will make a batch of these for a Valentine’s dinner coming up (we’ve invited a vegetarian!) so it’s perfect timing.

    Reply
  3. JasmyneTea says

    January 29, 2012 at 12:53 am

    I have yet to find a restaurant that sells falafel I like. I might have to try making it myself – your recipe would be a great starting point, so thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  4. Heidi @ Food Doodles says

    January 29, 2012 at 5:09 am

    Mmmm, I love falafel! Yours look fantastic! I’m much more likely to bake them than fry them though – thanks for writing out that option 🙂

    Reply
  5. Cì says

    January 29, 2012 at 5:17 am

    I love them!!!
    Nowadays you can easily find them in almost every kebab house in Italy too, but I prefer homemade food (and I prefer backing, it’s healthier): somewhere they are not all that good!
    I’ve the same experience you have, I ate them for the first time in Paris, in nineteenninesomething…
    I was waiting you to post this recipe, with a soya yogurt this is perfect for vegan too: hurray! 😉
    kisses

    Reply
  6. Deb says

    January 29, 2012 at 7:11 am

    baked falafel, great idea.Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Mel (Sharky Oven Gloves) says

    January 29, 2012 at 9:54 am

    The Marais is the first place I ever had falafel too! It’s so delicious, but completely out of my way (I live in Edinburgh and am about to move to NZ). Looks like I’ll have to try making it myself now!

    Reply
  8. Dolly says

    January 29, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    wow i never knew falafels were that easy to make.. i nornmally go to punchbowl for falafels omg .. delicious guess i can now make my own yay.

    Reply
  9. [email protected] says

    January 29, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    Those falafels look so delicious! i like to bake mine too.. we donated our deep fryer last year:).. and i love the fresh cilantro in it.

    Reply
  10. Sarah says

    January 29, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    I love baked falafels – these look tastier than my usual recipe. Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  11. Giulietta | Alterkitchen says

    January 29, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    The first time I ate falafel was in Paris, too! But I loved it so much that now I eat it all the time! Now I want to go out (in the snow) and have it! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Asiya says

    January 30, 2012 at 6:08 am

    Looks so good. I love that you can bake them too & that you gave the amount for using tinned chick peas. Those are the ones I always have on hand!

    Reply
  13. Reem | Simply Reem says

    January 30, 2012 at 6:26 am

    love it……
    Baking them is a great idea…

    Reply
  14. Anna @ the shady pine says

    January 30, 2012 at 8:55 am

    The only way I eat falafel is if they are home made. I’ve tried too many when out that I didn’t like but always love them when a friend’s mother cooks these. These look absolutely delicious especially in that pita bread with the onion & tomato.

    Reply
  15. Marsha @ The Harried Cook says

    January 30, 2012 at 11:40 am

    Yummy! I love falafel, but it’s so hard to find good falafel in my city… Must try your recipe! And I love the idea of baking it, Manu! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  16. PolaM says

    January 30, 2012 at 11:57 am

    I have to try again to make felafel and try to get them as beautiful as yours!

    Reply
  17. mjskit says

    January 30, 2012 at 11:59 am

    Those must have been some darn good falafels if you still think about them 20 years later, much remember where you had them! It is amazing how we can remember a really good meal. Thank you for this recipe. I love falafel and have always wanted to make them at home. You’ve inspired me to do just that! Great looking falafels!

    Reply
  18. Anna @The Littlest Anchovy says

    January 30, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Lovely Manu! These would be perfect to take to work for lunch 🙂

    Reply
  19. Sandra says

    January 30, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    Very good recipe and Congratulations on Top 9!

    Reply
  20. Kiri W. says

    January 31, 2012 at 3:11 am

    I love falafel, but it’s one of those things I simply never considered making myself. This goes on my to do list, looks delicious! 🙂

    Reply
  21. Alaina says

    January 31, 2012 at 3:19 am

    I used to work at a factory that made this. There’s nothing better than falafel fresh out of the fryer. Baked just doesn’t compare to me.

    Reply
  22. Spicie Foodie says

    January 31, 2012 at 3:59 am

    Hi Manu, Congrats on the Foodbuzz top 9!! I also love falafel, and just the way you described it. So yummy. In my neighborhood we have a Lebanese and Turkish restaurant so I never make falafel at home. Thanks for sharing the great recipe find, will have to give it a try.

    Reply
  23. Geraldine Saucier says

    January 31, 2012 at 4:08 am

    Thanks for posting a great recipe. I love Falafel. I buy the pre made falafel at the store but it isn’t that great. I can’t wait to try your recipe. Congratulations on the Foodbuzz Top 9.

    Reply
  24. Christine says

    January 31, 2012 at 4:28 am

    Congrats on the Foodbuzz top 9! Can’t wait to try this Falaffel recipe!

    Reply
  25. alyce culinary thymes says

    January 31, 2012 at 7:24 am

    I am going to try these. Bookmarking. COngrats on top 9!

    Reply
  26. Katherine Martinelli says

    January 31, 2012 at 10:36 am

    Yum! You know how I feel about falafel 🙂 Yours look perfect and authentic! In Israel they are most often served with tahina; sadly, no yogurt sauce (I wish!). I’ll have to make your version at home so I can put on all my favorite toppings!

    Reply
  27. Amy says

    January 31, 2012 at 11:11 am

    I love falafel! Yours sounds especially delicious! I feel like I need to make some now because I am hungry for it after reading this :)!

    Reply
  28. fati's recipes says

    February 1, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    Manu, I haven’t been to your amazing blog in such a long time. Today I got a link back to your blog, and followed it so I can update myself! I’ve missed all your amazing recipes so much. I’m subscribing for post updates so this doesn’t happen again!
    This falafel recipe is great. Having a Syrian heritage, I make mine the way we do them back at home (recipe here). But these still look great! We usually add a whole bunch of veggies to the sandwich, though, but still.. less is more sometimes 🙂

    Reply
  29. Eva kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com says

    February 2, 2012 at 9:54 am

    I made a new batch Manu, and they turned out much better. I’m blogging about it tomorrow. Thank you for the email tips, I really appreciate it.

    Reply
    • Manu says

      February 2, 2012 at 3:09 pm

      Awww Eva! I am SO HAPPY they came out fine! You are most welcome! Hopefully your guests enjoyed them! 🙂

      Reply
  30. [email protected] says

    February 2, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Manu you cook up all kinds of things in your kitchen! LOL I am in love with the frozen falafel from Trader Joes, I dont know if I can bring myself to make it. Haha, do you think these would freeze well unbaked??

    Reply
    • Manu says

      February 2, 2012 at 3:08 pm

      Hi Lindsey! I am afraid you cannot freeze these… I have not tried but I am worried they may absorb water when defrosted. But maybe, you could cook them from frozen! I have not tried it… but it may work!

      Reply
  31. Alyssa says

    February 2, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    Falafel was kind of an aquired taste for me. But I recently had a falafel sandwich which has turned me into a falafel lover. Here in Bahrain, it’s usually served with a Tahini sauce

    Reply
  32. Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says

    February 8, 2012 at 5:37 am

    Perfectly cooked and seasoned! I love that you baked these babies. Really lovely. I can’t wait to try them this way.

    Reply
  33. Maggie @ Kitchie Coo says

    February 8, 2012 at 9:17 am

    I absolutely love making falafel! You recipe is a bit different than the one I use and I think I’d like to try this next time. And baking them? What a great idea!! I often wondered if they would bake well…glad to know they do.

    Reply
  34. Gina says

    April 15, 2012 at 4:59 am

    Well, celebrating Orthodox Easter tomorrow and tried your falafel recipe baked. Amazing. Saved this one for the future. Thank you.

    Reply
  35. haniefa dalvie says

    December 4, 2012 at 10:58 pm

    I like my food spicey… can I add a chilli or is the chilli powder enough?

    Reply
    • Manu says

      December 4, 2012 at 11:00 pm

      You can definitely add some chilli for a little extra kick!

      Reply
      • haniefa dalvie says

        December 7, 2012 at 8:08 pm

        Thank you I made them an they were GORGEOUS. The only thing, is that I had to add an extra 1/2 cup of flour. It was very sticky, But even when I fried (yes i fried :p ) it was lovely. Thank you for a great recipe. I am making it again this weekend :p

        Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Gluten Free Falafel adapted from Manu’s Menu « Kitcheninspirations says:
    February 2, 2012 at 8:04 pm

    […] who recently turned vegetarian (he eats fish, but not meat) so when I saw Manu’s recipe for Falafel I was excited. I thought this relatively simple middle eastern dish could easily be turned into an […]

    Reply
  2. Valentine’s Vegetarian Extravaganza Dinner Menu « Kitcheninspirations says:
    February 11, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    […] Salad: Falafel on greens with avocado paste and cilantro ‘pesto’ (from Manu’s Menu, Falafel) […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome to Manu’s Menu!

Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

HOMEMADE PASTA MADE SIMPLE – THE BOOK. CLICK TO BUY IT FROM AMAZON NOW!

Homemade Pasta Made Simple

Archives

Categories

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Video Recipe: Orecchiette with Crudaiola Sauce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqSyzFElbRY
foodgawker bowls-150x150
tastespotting150
Tasteologie badge
Pasta & Gnocchi

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book – Click to buy it now! On SALE for only $9.99!

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!
Genesis Theme Framework for WordPress
Community Table Contributor Badge
Sunday Supper Movement

manusmenu

manusmenu
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Cara Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Caramel Cheesecake Slice.  Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #miso #cheesecake #cake #dessert #japan
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A tradi Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A traditional pasta sauce from central Italy. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #pasta #pastasauce #ragu
Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprisi Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprising city. Come check it out. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #trieste #holidays #beautifuldestinations #history #food
Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Cre Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Crespelle. The best comfort food. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food #foodgram #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood
Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about some of the most important landmarks of the Great War. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #war #history
Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use up some of your #sourdough discard to make these delicious sweet or savoury crêpes. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food
Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #history #food #italianfood
Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cockt Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cocktail and an alternative to your everyday spritz. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #hugo #spritz #prosecco #drinks #cocktails #elderflower
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay S Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay Stir Fry. So good. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #satay #stirfry #pork #meatballs
Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crun Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crunchy and refreshing. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #picklingcucumbers #pickles #pickling #garden #cucumber #vegetarian #vegan #video
Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and d Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and delicious. Clickable link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #pudding #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #coffee #pannacotta
Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe adapted from the wonderful @jennifer_rodda. The best way to use up some of your Sourdough discard. Clickable recipe link on my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #pastry #cinnamonrolls #teatime #breakfast
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2011-2020 - Manu's Menu and Manuela Zangara. All rights reserved.