Authentic Falafel Recipe: Traditional Middle Eastern Delight (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve ever wanted to make perfectly crispy, fluffy, and flavorful falafel at home—just like the ones sold on the bustling streets of the Middle East—this guide is for you. This authentic falafel recipe uses soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and bold spices to create a plant-based dish that’s satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. You’ll learn how to make falafel from scratch, step-by-step, with tips for frying or baking. Let’s dive in!

What Is Falafel?

Falafel is a beloved vegan-friendly Middle Eastern street food, typically made from ground chickpeas (or sometimes fava beans) mixed with herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill, combined with spices like cumin and coriander. The mixture is shaped into balls or patties and then fried or baked until golden and crisp on the outside, soft and green on the inside.

Falafel is especially popular in Egypt, where it is known as ta’ameya, and is eaten daily, often for breakfast. It’s commonly stuffed in warm pita bread and paired with tahini sauce, hummus, or fresh salad.

Why This Falafel Recipe Is Special

✅ Authentic Texture – No canned chickpeas here! We use soaked dry chickpeas for the perfect crunchy exterior and fluffy interior.

✅ Loaded with Flavor – Fresh herbs and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cayenne bring depth and zest.

✅ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for future use.

✅ Versatile Cooking Options – Fry, bake, or even air-fry depending on your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a rundown of the essential ingredients for this authentic falafel recipe:

• 2 cups dried chickpeas (don’t substitute with canned or cooked)

• ½ tsp baking soda (for soaking)

• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves

• ¾ cup fresh cilantro leaves

• ½ cup fresh dill

• 1 small onion, quartered (yellow preferred)

• 7–8 garlic cloves, peeled

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 tsp baking powder (added just before forming patties)

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for nutty flavor)

• Oil for frying (neutral oils like vegetable or sunflower oil work best)

Optional Fixings for Falafel Sandwiches

• Tahini sauce (traditional pairing)

• Pita pockets

• Diced tomatoes

• Chopped cucumbers

• Pickles

• Baby arugula or lettuce

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Falafel

Step 1: Soak the Chickpeas

Place the dried chickpeas and ½ tsp of baking soda in a large bowl. Cover with water (at least 2 inches above the chickpeas) and let soak for 18–24 hours. They’ll double or triple in size. Drain and pat dry.

💡 Soaking with baking soda softens the chickpeas, giving falafel its ideal texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Falafel Mixture

In a food processor, combine:

• Soaked chickpeas

• Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill)

• Onion

• Garlic

• Spices (cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, pepper)

Pulse in short bursts until the texture resembles coarse meal (not paste!). Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This step helps the mixture firm up.

Step 3: Form the Patties or Balls

Just before cooking, add:

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Mix well. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and shape into golf-ball-sized rounds or patties. Keep them fluffy, not flat.

✋ Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Fry the Falafel

Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Once hot and gently bubbling, fry the falafel for 3–5 minutes, turning as needed, until they’re crispy and golden brown on the outside.

Drain on a paper towel-lined plate or a colander.

🧪 Test one falafel first to check oil temperature and mixture consistency.

Fry the Falafel

Baked Falafel Option (Healthier!)

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet. Brush each patty with a bit of olive oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Air Fryer Falafel

Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Lightly brush or spray falafel with olive oil. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and browned.

Pro Tips for Perfect Falafel

1. Always use dry chickpeas, soaked overnight – never canned.

2. Chill the mixture before forming to help it hold together.

3. Don’t skip baking powder – it gives a light, airy texture.

4. Maintain oil temperature at 375°F when frying.

5. Avoid overcrowding when frying – cook in batches.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

• To refrigerate: Keep falafel mixture covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• To freeze: Shape uncooked patties and freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.

• To cook from frozen: Fry or bake directly from frozen; add a few extra minutes to cooking time.

How to Serve Falafel

Here are some of the most delicious ways to enjoy your homemade falafel:

🥙 In a Pita Sandwich

Stuff warm pita bread with falafel, tahini, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles, and arugula.

🧆 On a Mezze Platter

Serve alongside hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, roasted eggplant, and olives.

🥗 In a Bowl

Build a falafel bowl with rice or couscous, greens, roasted veggies, and drizzled tahini sauce.

🥪 As a Wrap or Salad Topper

Use as a filling for wraps or on top of Mediterranean-style salads.

Nutrition Highlights

Falafel is rich in:

• Plant-based protein

• Fiber

• Iron and folate

• Antioxidants from herbs and spices

Final Thoughts

Making authentic falafel at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, a bit of prep, and this detailed guide, you’ll be serving crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside falafel like a pro. Whether fried or baked, stuffed in pita or plated on a mezze board, this traditional recipe will quickly become a favorite.