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Falafel

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description Falafel Overview

Falafel is a Middle Eastern food made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or a regional combination of the two, typically mixed with herbs, spices, onion, and garlic. The mixture is shaped into balls or patties and traditionally deep-fried until crisp outside while remaining tender within. Falafel is commonly served in flatbread or on a plate with vegetables, pickles, tahini-based sauce, and other accompaniments, and contains no meat by default.

help Falafel FAQ

Is traditional falafel made from chickpeas or fava beans?

Both traditions exist. Egyptian ta'ameya is commonly made from fava beans, while many Levantine falafel recipes use chickpeas or a mixture.

Why did my falafel fall apart in the fryer?

Traditional recipes use soaked, uncooked dried chickpeas rather than canned cooked chickpeas, which can create an overly wet mixture. The shaped falafel also needs enough binding and oil hot enough to set the exterior quickly.

Is falafel normally vegan and gluten-free?

The basic mixture of legumes, herbs, onion, garlic, and spices is vegan and can be gluten-free. Restaurant versions may contain flour or share frying oil with breaded foods, while a pita wrap contains wheat.

What is usually served with falafel?

Levantine falafel is commonly served in pita with tahini sauce, pickles, tomato, cucumber, or chopped salad. Egyptian ta'ameya may be served with baladi bread, vegetables, and sesame-topped accompaniments.

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