Quick and Easy Falafel Recipe

A bowl of hummous is served with olive oil, falafel balls and sprinkled with chopped parsley alongside olives, a fresh onion, chili and lemon juice and red chili paste February 21, 2006 in a restaurant in Tel Aviv.
David Silverman/Getty Images News/Getty Images
  • 15 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins,
  • Cook: 5 mins
  • Yield: 2 Portions (2 Servings)
Ratings (83)

By Saad Fayed

Updated 04/03/18

Traditional falafel recipes using dried chickpeas can be time-consuming. Soaking the beans and removing the shells is not ideal for those with a busy lifestyle. This recipe for falafel contains few ingredients which ​cut down on preparation time. It's perfect for those who want an easier version of falafel.

What You'll Need

  • 1 15 oz. can chickpeas (drained)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 3/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups oil (or amount needed for frying, canola or vegetable)

How to Make It

  1. Combine chickpeas, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper (to taste) in a medium bowl. Add flour and combine well.
  2. Mash chickpeas, making sure to mix ingredients together. You can also combine ingredients in a food processor. You want the result to be a thick paste.
  3. Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping-pong ball. Slightly flatten.
  4. Fry in 2 inches of oil at 350 F until golden brown (2 to 5 minutes).
  1. Serve falafel by itself, or with hot pita bread with veggies, or tahini sauce.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 745
Total Fat 15 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Unsaturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 1,037 mg
Carbohydrates 124 g
Dietary Fiber 23 g
Protein 33 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)