Looking for a tasty and easy vegan recipe? Try these Simple Homemade Falafels! Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and a blend of aromatic spices, these falafels are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for pita wraps, salads, or as a delicious snack. Enjoy a homemade meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying!
Simple Homemade Falafels: Fresh, Wholesome, and Delicious
Are you on the lookout for a tasty, nutritious, and easy-to-make vegan recipe? Look no further! Simple Homemade Falafels are the answer. These crispy, flavorful bites are made from fresh and wholesome ingredients, making them a perfect choice for anyone wanting to eat healthily without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this falafel recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Fresh and Wholesome Ingredients
The magic of Simple Homemade Falafels lies in their fresh and wholesome ingredients. The base of this recipe is chickpeas, a powerhouse of nutrition. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They help support digestion, keep you feeling full longer, and are a great source of plant-based protein.
To complement the chickpeas, this recipe includes fresh parsley, shallots, and garlic. Parsley not only adds a burst of flavor but also brings numerous health benefits. It’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and can aid in digestion and combat inflammation. Shallots and garlic add a savory depth to the falafels while providing their own health benefits, including immune-boosting properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
Quick oats or rolled oats are used as a binding agent in this recipe, helping to hold the falafel mixture together while adding a bit of texture. Oats are also a nutritious addition, offering a good source of fiber and essential minerals like manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.
The recipe is seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, including cumin, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and turmeric. These spices not only enhance the flavor profile but also contribute to various health benefits. For instance, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cumin aids digestion and boosts the immune system.
Tahini and olive oil add richness and healthy fats to the falafel mixture. Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is an excellent source of calcium, iron, and healthy fats. Olive oil, on the other hand, is known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Together, they help create a deliciously smooth and flavorful falafel.
Health Benefits of Homemade Falafels
Incorporating Simple Homemade Falafels into your diet can offer a range of health benefits. First and foremost, they are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall energy levels.
The high fiber content in chickpeas and oats promotes healthy digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. This can be particularly beneficial for managing weight and preventing conditions such as diabetes.
The fresh herbs and spices used in this recipe not only add flavor but also contribute to overall well-being. For example, parsley is known for its detoxifying properties, while garlic has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease. The spices used in this falafel recipe also offer various health benefits, from anti-inflammatory effects to improved digestion.
Additionally, baking the falafels instead of frying them can further enhance their health benefits. Baking reduces the amount of added fat and calories, making these falafels a lighter and healthier option compared to traditional fried versions.
Easy to Make and Delicious
One of the best aspects of Simple Homemade Falafels is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of delicious falafels ready to enjoy. Here’s a quick rundown of the process:
Prepare the Mixture: Start by combining chickpeas, shallots, garlic, oats, tahini, olive oil, and spices in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly crumbly. Avoid over-processing to maintain a nice texture.
Form the Falafels: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into balls or patties with your hands. This is a fun and easy step that doesn’t require any special equipment.
Cook the Falafels: You have two options for cooking your falafels. You can either fry them in a bit of olive oil for a crispy, golden exterior or bake them in the oven for a lighter alternative. Both methods result in delicious falafels, so choose the one that best fits your preference and dietary goals.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve your falafels in pita wraps or naan bread with your favorite toppings. Vegan mayo, hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions are all great choices. You can also enjoy them on their own or as part of a larger meal.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to customize your falafels with your favorite herbs and spices or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. The falafels are also great for meal prep, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Why You’ll Love These Falafels
Simple Homemade Falafels are not only easy to make and delicious but also a healthy and versatile addition to your diet. They offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re perfect for a variety of meal ideas, from wraps and salads to bowls and snacks.
In summary, if you’re searching for a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make vegan recipe, look no further than Simple Homemade Falafels. With their fresh ingredients, health benefits, and delicious taste, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try and enjoy the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor in every bite!
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Simple Vegan Falafels Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cooking time: 15 min Total time: 25 min
Servings: 10-12 falafels
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 shallot, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup quick oats or rolled oats
2 tbsp tahini
2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 cup fresh parsley (packed)
1/2 tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Mixture:
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, shallot, garlic cloves, oats, tahini, olive oil, cumin, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly crumbly. Avoid over-processing to maintain some texture.
Form the Falafels:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into balls or patties with your hands. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands for this.
Cook the Falafels:
Frying: Heat a bit of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add falafels and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place falafels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush or spray with a bit of olive oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serve:
Enjoy your falafels in pita wraps or naan bread. Top with vegan mayo, hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, or green onions as desired.
Serving Suggestions:
You can also serve these falafels over a bed of greens, in a salad, or alongside a grain like quinoa or couscous.
Enjoy your homemade falafels! They’re versatile and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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