Name: Fresh Herb Falafel
Yield: 8 Servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, drained; 1/2 onion, coarsely chopped; 1 jalapeño, coarsely chopped; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; 3 tablespoons chickpea flour; 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Vegetable oil (for frying; about 8 cups); Shredded Cabbage Salad and Spiced Green Tahini Sauce and warm thick pita with pockets (for serving); A deep-fry thermometer

Photo by Marcus Nilsson

A coarse texture is absolutely key; if the chickpeas are too finely chopped, the falafel will be dense.

Recipe information

Yield
8 Servings

Ingredients

8 ounces dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, drained

1/2 onion, coarsely chopped

1 jalapeño, coarsely chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

3/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 tablespoons chickpea flour

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Vegetable oil (for frying; about 8 cups)

Shredded Cabbage Salad and Spiced Green Tahini Sauce and warm thick pita with pockets (for serving)

Special equipment:

A deep-fry thermometer

Preparation

Step 1
Pulse chickpeas in a food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until they resemble finely chopped nuts (the texture should be uneven, with some slightly larger pieces visible), about 1 minute. Transfer to a large bowl.
Step 2
Pulse onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and parsley in food processor, scraping down sides as needed, until coarsely chopped, about 1 minute. Mix into chickpeas, then mix in chickpea flour, salt, baking powder, cardamom, and cumin. Form into ping-pong–size balls.
Step 3
Pour oil into a large heavy pot to a depth of 3". Fit pot with thermometer and heat oil over medium-high until thermometer registers 330°F. Working in batches, cook falafel, turning occasionally, until deep brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels; let sit 5 minutes. Serve falafel with salad, tahini sauce, and pita.