• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Amira's Pantry
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Shop
  • About me
  • Subscribe!
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Shop
  • About me
  • Subscribe!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » recipe » Egyptian Falafel

    Egyptian Falafel

    Published: Oct 25, 2019 · Modified: Dec 7, 2021 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

     Pounding sound from the large stone mortar and pestle making falafel in the early morning hours. Sizzling hot oil and the smell of freshly fried falafel were all part of my morning walk to school. Falafel has been a street food in Egypt since the early days of history I believe. Let me show you how to make easy green falafel with a step by step guide.

    [mv_video key="qq19hhsu79sqtq0qco71" title="FALAFEL" thumbnail="https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1572065866/d7pesblzglzpgiavmi4o.jpg" volume="70" doNotOptimizePlacement="true" doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement="false" ratio="" jsonLd=true]
    A black plate with falafel patties some of them are covered with sesame seeds with some greens and tomato on the side.

    Falafel

    Falafel was one of the few breakfast sandwiches that I would really eat when I was a little kid. My beautiful mama would wake up early to fry some falafel patties and make morning and lunch sandwiches to motivate me to eat. Until recently my kids did not like falafel but after going to Egypt last summer the big boys fell in love while the youngest is not there yet.
    Falafel in Egypt is much greener than the usual falafel here in the United states and it is made with peeled and split beans not chickpeas.

    Although chickpeas falafel are now very common in Egypt, everone of my friends still long to the traditional falafel of Egypt. Nowadays falafel in Egypt are less green and the dough has a consistency that I dare to say like whipping cream. I was wondering how they do that? it is so fluffy and airy.
    After doing some research I learned that the reason for such fluffy falafel dough is that it is whisked so hard to fill it with air. It is then fried and stuffed in pita pockets with tahini, greens, tomato and pickles. Crispy outside while airy and fluffy and green and delicious inside.

    falafel patties in a borwn bag with some patties on a white marble table and one falafe is cut in halves to show texture.

    Falafel Ingredients

    Ingredients for falafel on a white marble table
    • Dry fave beans: this is a key ingredient for Egyptian falafel. Peeled and split beans are used, chickpeas are also commonly used and highly spread.
    • Fresh herbs: parsley and cilantro are main herbs for falafel and you do not want to skip either. I used to put almost double the amount I am using here.
    • Leek: is one of the main ingredients in this falafel, I used green onion instead as it is easier to find. You can also use regular onion but leek gives a more authentic flavor.
    • Spices: salt and pepper, cumin and coriander. Dry ground coriander also gives an authentic flavor to falafel and sometimes falafel patties are dipped in ground cumin instead of sesame seeds before frying.
    • Baking soda: I use this because my mom and her mom did. It is used to fluff the falafel even more and preserve the green color.
    Step by step photos on making Falafel
    1. Place all the above ingredients in a food processor and process several times until you achieve your desired texture. If you are planning to freeze the falafel then do not add the spices just add the baking soda to the herbs and beans.
    2. I like my falafel a bit grainy like the texture above, some people like it very fine so it is really up to your taste.
    3. Now for the fun part, using a whisk or your electric beaters, beat for like 5 minutes. Yes 5 minutes until it gets really airy and fluffy.
    4. Form falafel into balls or discs dip in sesame seeds (optional) and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
    Falafel on a black plate with some diced cucmnber and tomato and a spoon with tahini on the side.

    Falafel tips and tricks

    Do

    * You might wannt to consider adding an egg to fluff the falafel even more before frying.
    * Some people add the fluffy part inside a bun with the dough to make it more fluffy.
    * If you are planning to freeze the dough then do not add the spice until you are ready to fry.
    * Try frying one falafel first if your dough is not holding its shape add some cornstarch like a tablespoon it will not only make it hold its shape but also will make it crunchier on the outside.
    * Sesame is optional but it gives this authentic look to your falafel.

    Avoid

    * Over processing the dough will make it so mushy and will cause it not to be fluffy from the inside.
    * Frying falafel on high, this will probably burn the outside leaving the inside gooey and uncooked leading to an unpleasant falafel experience.
    * Adding other spices to the dough, a little bit of cumin and coriander is more than enough. You can add some cayenne pepper for an extra heat is you need to.

    falafel sandwiches on a ahite plate and filled with greens with a drizzle of tahini sauce.

    That's it for now guys, if I remember anything I will make sure to come back and add it. Just follow the recipe and let me know what do you think. Serve this with tahini, greens, tomato, red onions and pickles.

    Other falafel recipes on the blog

    Feta Stuffed Falafel
    Crispy and flavorful falafel stuffed with a mixture of onion and feta cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    A close up of food, with Falafel stuffed Feta
    Baked Falafel
    An easy healthy baked falafel recipe, crispy and delicious.
    Check out this recipe
    A green plate of baked falafel drizzled with tahini sauce with some lettuce and nuts on the plate.

    Falafel

    If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

    A close up of food Falafel on a plate with vegetables

    Falafel

    Learn how to make airy and fluffy falafel with beans, this is the authentic green falafel recipe with its tips and tricks.
    4.94 from 15 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, lunch
    Cuisine: Middle Eastern
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    soaking time: 2 hours
    Servings: 15 patties
    Calories: 35.6kcal
    Author: Amira

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (180g) split dry fava beans.
    • 1 (30g) green onion, chopped both green and white part.
    • 1/2 cup (15g) parsley, roughly chopped.
    • 1/2 cup (15g) cilantro, roughly chopped.
    • 2 (10g) big garlic cloves.
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
    • Spices:
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin.
    • 1 teaspoon salt or to your taste.
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
    • 1-2 Tablespoon water.
    • Optional:
    • Sesame seeds for dipping.

    Instructions

    • Wash beans under running water then place in a deep bowl.
    • Cover with water and let it soak for 2-3 hours changing the water once in the middle.
    • Drain beans and place in the food processor.
    • Place all other ingredients except for water. Note1
    • Process until very fine. If you feel the dough texture is rough add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and mix until you get a fine dough.
    • Place the dough in a deep bowl and whisk it hard with an electric mixer or a hand held whisk for about 4 to 5 minutes until it gets foamy and super airy. Note2
    • Heat oil in a heavy bottom skillet or a cast iron skillet.
    • Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the falafel and form into a ball or a disk.
    • Dip the disks from one side into a flat plate of sesame seeds and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until it gets nicely browned all over.
    • Transfer to a paper lined plate.
    • Serve with tahini dip, tomato, pickles, cucumber, onions and green salad.

    Notes

    Note1: If you are going to freeze it then do not add the spices.
    Note2: The falafel dough is Egypt that is sold by street vendors are super fluffy I would dare to say the texture is like whipping cream!! So this step is done to try to approach that texture as much as possible.
    Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 35.6kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.1g | Protein: 2.7g | Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 113.8mg | Fiber: 2.6g | Sugar: 0.6g | Vitamin A: 2.5IU | Vitamin C: 3.3mg | Calcium: 1.3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AmirasPantry or tag #AmirasPantry!

    Sign up and learn more about Mediterranean flavors

    « Beef Stew Slow Cooker
    Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits; Herb Lamintaed »
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly

    About Amira

    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Victoria Vass

      November 14, 2021 at 8:17 pm

      These tasted good but fell apart - any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Amira

        November 16, 2021 at 10:56 am

        Hmm it should not, but if it did add a bit more flour, you can add chickpea flour or all purpose flour. I hope this helps.

        Reply
    2. Lillian Ghali

      March 26, 2021 at 7:14 pm

      Hi Amira;
      I'm enjoying your recipes very much as I am married to an Egyptian from Zamalek, Cairo.. almost 50 years together now so I am very experienced with many of the national dishes.. My husband is cousin to Boutros Boutros Ghali, so as you can imagine many of the family recipes have been handed down to me, a Ukrainian.. We live north of Toronto, Ontario, Canada..
      My question to you is this- how much oil is needed? I am trying to cut down on oil.. are the falafel deep fried? I have used only enough to cover the bottom of pan. Please let me know the amount of oil that is best for the recipe.. Shoukran for sharing ..

      Reply
      • Amira

        March 31, 2021 at 4:35 pm

        Hello Lillian, so glad you are here. Well usually falafel is deep fried, some like to shallow fry them and sometimes I also finish them in the oven like this oven baked falafel. Although these are not the authentic way to cook falafel but it is much healthier. I usually put like an inch or so of oil in the pan and flip the falafel halfway through. You can also air fry your falafel. Hope this helps.

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    ABOUT AMIRA'S PANTRY

    Amira Photo

    I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends. Read More…

    LOOKING FOR A RECIPE!

    Sign up and learn more about Mediterranean flavors

    Kabob Recipes

    Kabob Recipes

    Don't miss our Holiday Appetizers!

    Egyptian Recipes

    • Egyptian Falafel
    • Koshari; The National Dish of Egypt
    • Egyptian food; Fattah
    • Spicy Lamb chops
    • Hawawshi (Arayes)
    • Egyptian Salad (Salata Baladi)

    Popular Recipes

    • Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
    • Sausage Stuffed Mini Peppers
    • No Wine! Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
    • Chicken Francese Recipe; Without Wine
    • Alfredo Sauce Without Cream

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for our latest recipes

    Contact

    • Contact Us

    Copyright © 2022 - Amira's Pantry

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.