This recipe for waffled falafel puts a fun twist on a classic Middle Eastern dish. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these falafel balls are packed with flavor and perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or adding to wraps and salads. Plus, using a waffle iron instead of deep frying makes them healthier without sacrificing taste. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients for Waffled Falafel
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Olive oil, for brushing
How to Make Waffled Falafel
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, red onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground but not pureed.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour until well combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls and place them on a plate.
- Brush the preheated waffle iron with olive oil. Place the falafel balls in the waffle iron, making sure they are not too close together.
- Close the waffle iron and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the falafel is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the falafel from the waffle iron and repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Serve the waffled falafel warm with your favorite dipping sauces or as a topping for salads and wraps.
About the Main Ingredients
- Chickpeas: Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are a good source of protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals.
- Parsley and Cilantro: These herbs add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the falafel.
- Red Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth of flavor to the falafel mixture.
- Spices: Cumin and coriander are common spices used in falafel, adding warm, earthy flavors.
- Baking Soda: Helps the falafel balls puff up slightly and become light and airy inside.
- Flour: Binds the mixture together and helps the falafel hold its shape during cooking.
Enjoy this creative twist on falafel with its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior!
