Halal Guys Falafel Recipe

I’ve been obsessed with The Halal Guys’ falafel for years, and I finally cracked the code to making it at home!

This recipe nails that crispy exterior and fluffy, herbaceous interior that we all crave.

Using fresh herbs is essential for capturing that bright, herbaceous flavor!

Another key is using dried chickpeas that have been soaked, never canned.

Let’s get to the rest!

How to Make Halal Guys Falafel Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Chickpeas (dried, soaked overnight)
• 1 cup Onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Coriander
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Flour
• Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Soak the chickpeas overnight in a large bowl filled with water.

Make sure they’re fully submerged, and leave them for at least 12 hours.

Step 2:

Drain the chickpeas and transfer them to a food processor.

Add in the onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro and pulse.

Keep going until you have a coarse, grainy mixture.

Step 3:

Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and flour.

Pulse again until the ingredients are well incorporated.

The mixture should hold together well when shaped.

Step 4:

Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, using your hands or a falafel scoop.

Be gentle to avoid compacting them too much.

Step 5:

Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat.

Add falafel to the hot oil in batches without overcrowding.

Fry until crispy and golden brown, usually 3-4 minutes per batch.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Soaking Chickpeas

Make sure the chickpeas soak for at least 12 hours to get the best texture for your falafel mixture.

Planning ahead is key here for the smoothest falafel experience.

Texture Matters

Don’t over-process the mixture in the food processor; you want it coarse but uniform.

This ensures your falafel stays crisp and not dense inside.

Baking Instead of Frying

If you’re not a fan of frying, you can bake the falafel at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes.

Just make sure to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

Avoid Overcrowding

When frying, giving each falafel enough space results in more even cooking and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Small batches are the way to go!

Adjusting Spices

Feel free to adjust spices to match your taste, especially if you’re adventurous.

Just make sure not to skip on any of the key spices like cumin and coriander.

What to Serve with Halal Guys Falafel Recipe

Falafel is a fantastic dish that offers a wide range of serving options to suit various tastes.

Pita Bread

One delicious and traditional option is to serve falafel with warm pita bread.

Simply stuff the pita with falafel, adding your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Sauces

You can also pair the falafel with a creamy tahini sauce or a tangy tzatziki sauce.

These sauces enhance the flavor of the falafel and add a refreshing contrast.

Salad

Another classic accompaniment is a fresh green salad, which often includes ingredients like cucumbers, red onions, and a zippy dressing.

Rice

For a heartier meal, serve falafel on a bed of basmati or brown rice.

Top it with some grilled vegetables or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and texture.

Now, let’s consider a couple of side options that you might not have tried before.

Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes make for a lovely side dish with their natural sweetness complementing the savory falafel.

You can season them with a pinch of cumin and paprika for a burst of flavor.

Another unique idea is to serve the falafel with a side of pickled vegetables.

These provide a tangy crunch that works beautifully with the falafel’s flavors.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with side dishes and sauces to create the perfect combination that suits your palate.

Falafel, with its versatile nature, is the canvas for many exciting side dishes and accompaniments.

Whether keeping it traditional or trying something new, there are endless ways to enjoy this dish!

Variations and Substitutions

Using Different Legumes

Sometimes you might not have chickpeas on hand. You can try using fava beans or lentils instead as they work well in falafel too!

Switching up the legumes can add a fun twist to the texture and flavor, making it unique to your taste.

Herbs and Spices

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs.

Adding cilantro, dill, or mint can create a fresh and vibrant flavor.

For extra spiciness, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to tweak the warmth.

Baking Instead of Frying

For a healthier option, you can bake the falafel instead of frying it.

Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle a bit of olive oil over them.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes, and you’ll still have a tasty result.

Gluten-Free Option

If you need a gluten-free version, replace the flour with chickpea flour or a gluten-free blend instead.

This keeps the texture intact without sacrificing any flavor.

How to Store Leftover Halal Guys Falafel Recipe

You’ve made some delicious Halal Guys style falafels and have leftovers. How do you store them while keeping them just as tasty for the next meal?

First off, let the falafels cool completely. This prevents condensation, which could turn them soggy.

To store, find an airtight container. Line it with paper towels, which will help absorb excess moisture.

Place your leftover falafels in the container, making sure they don’t touch. If you have multiple layers, use more paper towels in between.

Avoid storing your falafels near strong-smelling foods. This ensures they won’t absorb unwanted odors, keeping the falafel flavor intact.

Store the container in the fridge. You can keep the falafels in there for up to five days.

If you’re planning to store them longer, freeze them instead. Falafels freeze well and can be easily reheated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Soaking Chickpeas

You might be tempted to skip the soaking of chickpeas if you’re in a hurry, but it’s crucial for achieving the right texture.

Using canned chickpeas can result in falafel that falls apart or becomes mushy.

Dry chickpeas should be soaked for at least 12 hours.

Texture of the Dough

Over-processing the mix is a common pitfall. The mixture should be coarse to ensure delightful texture when cooked.

If you process too much, you’ll end up with a paste that won’t hold together during frying.

It’s important to strike a balance so your falafel stays intact.

Frying Technique

Don’t rush the frying process by using oil that’s too hot; it will cook the outside too quickly.

On the flip side, if the oil is not hot enough, you’ll end up with greasy falafel.

A consistent medium-high temperature leads to crispy outsides with perfectly cooked insides.