Baked/airfried Falafel

I will admit that it took me a while to figure out a no oil air fried falafel that has the super crunch on the outside and the perfect inside that is neither mushy not crumbly with all the flavor that we are used to from the originals. After having my first falafel in Israel at age 16 I was hooked. But it took a while to adapt this to the no oil version that delivers on flavor and crunch. Serve this in a hot pita or on a salad with my creamy hummus, tahini and quick pickles and let the flavors sing. Add some fermented hot sauce to take it to the top.

This is another recipe that does require a little time ahead. Using dried chickpeas is key. And having them soak with 1 tsp of baking soda in a large bowl full of water for at least 12-16 hrs at room temperature or in the fridge. This is KEY!

Ingredients

• 1/2 bag of dried chickpeas (soaked for a minimum of 12 hrs in a large bowl of water with 1 tsp of baking soda. Tip: I soak the full 16oz bag and use half for falafel, half to make hummus)

• 1/4 cup of pickle juice

• 1/4 cup of aqua faba

• 2 tbsp flax meal or flax seed

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tbsp coriander or 1/4 cup cilantro stems

• 1 tbsp parsley dried or 1/4 cup parsley stems

• 2 cloves of garlic

• 1/2 onion or 1 tbsp onion powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp sumac or zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp paprika or smoked paprika powder

• salt & pepper to taste

• optional 1 tsp of black cumin or nigella seeds

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

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Method

• In a food processor, add chickpeas and all of the seasonings/aromatics. Hold sesame and liquids. Blend until ground consistency.

• Put into a bowl and add sesame seeds and liquids. Mix together. The consistency should thick with a little moisture.

• Cover bowl and put into the fridge for at least 1 hr to set.

• If using oven, preheat to 450F convection or baking

• When ready to bake/air fry, use an ice cream scoop or 2 tbsp to form balls. In these pictures I used a mold for rice balls. The important step is just to pack them together.

• Put falafel balls either in air fryer or on lined baking sheet. In my air fryer, I turned them after 15 minutes and fried for another 15 until crunchy all around and the insides were cooked. Depending on your oven, it may take slightly longer or shorter, so check 10 minutes after turning and look for the nicely browned outsides to be finished.

Mezze Platter

• Quick Pickles

• Hummus

• Tahini

• Falafel

• Hot Sauce

• Hot Pita bread

• chopped tomatoes, sliced onions, olives, sprouts

• Grapeleaves

The ultimate Sandwich

• Toast up a fresh whole wheat pita pocket. When hot, carefully slice open to 2/3, until you can push against the sides and see the open pocket.

• Spread a layer of hummus

• Add falafel balls to your liking

• Top with pickled veggies

• Drizzle with hot sauce if spicy is desired

• lay on some pickles, olives, etc.

• Drizzle tahini

• ENJOY!

The ultimate Salad

• Massage some kale with lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper or use whatever lettuce you enjoy and put in the bottom of a bowl

• Add segments of any of the toppings above however you desire

• Drizzle with tahini

#plantifulfoods #falafel #vegangoddess