Ingredients
Falafel Mixture
- 1 cup dried (uncooked/raw) chickpeas, rinsed, picked over, and soaked for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator
- ½ cup roughly chopped red onion (about ½ small red onion)
- ½ cup packed fresh parsley (mostly leaves but small stems are ok)
- ½ cup packed fresh cilantro (mostly leaves but small stems are ok)
- 4 cloves garlic, quartered
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon (about 25 twists) freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for the mixture)
For Baking
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (to coat baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: With an oven rack set in the middle position, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour ¼ cup of the olive oil onto a large, rimmed baking sheet and tilt the pan until the surface is evenly coated to prevent sticking and help crisp the falafel.
- Make the Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine the soaked and thoroughly drained chickpeas, chopped red onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Process the mixture until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Shape the Falafels: Using your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and shape it into small patties approximately 2 inches wide and ½ inch thick. Place each patty on the oiled baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Bake the Falafels: Bake the falafels for 25 to 30 minutes. Carefully flip each falafel halfway through the baking time to ensure they brown evenly. Bake until deeply golden on both sides and crispy on the outside.
- Storage: These falafels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for several months. Reheat as desired before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to soak the chickpeas for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight for the best texture.
- Flipping halfway ensures even browning and crispness on both sides.
- Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor.
- Falafel can be served with tahini sauce, hummus, or in pita bread with vegetables.
- You can prepare falafel mixture ahead and bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
