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Falafel · Pan-Fried

Crispy Pan-Fried Falafel with Tahini Sauce

4

Hands-free cooking

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Reading aloud

Before you start

Gather your ingredients

  • Swaps for onion

    Instead of onion

    • Another onion: The same amount. Yellow is the all-rounder; white is sharper and crisper; red is milder raw and adds color; sweet onions are mildest.
    • Shallots: The same amount, chopped. Milder and sweeter, with a hint of garlic.
    • Leeks: About 1½ times as much, white and light green parts. Milder and softer when cooked.

    All 4 swaps for onion

  • Swaps for garlic

    Instead of garlic

    • Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
    • Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.

    More for garlic

  • Swaps for fresh parsley

    Instead of parsley

    • Dried parsley: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Very mild; it adds color more than flavor.
    • Cilantro: The same amount. Stronger and citrusy; suits Mexican and Asian dishes.
    • Celery leaves or chervil: The same amount. Celery leaves are peppery and grassy; chervil is mild with a hint of anise.

    More for parsley

  • Swaps for fresh cilantro

    Instead of cilantro

    • Dried cilantro: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Dried cilantro has almost no flavor; skip it as a garnish and add more of the other seasonings.
    • Flat-leaf parsley + lime zest: The same amount of parsley, plus a little lime zest. Fresh and green, without the soapy taste some people get from cilantro.
    • Thai basil or mint: Half as much. Sweeter and more perfumed.

    More for cilantro

  • Swaps for ground cumin

    Instead of cumin

    • Ground coriander: The same amount. Brighter and citrusy, less earthy.
    • Chili powder: Twice as much. Contains cumin, plus chile heat and garlic.
    • Caraway seeds, ground: Half as much. A related flavor, a bit sharper.

    More for cumin

  • Swaps for kosher salt

    Instead of salt

    • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
    • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

    More for salt

  • Swaps for cayenne pepper

    Instead of cayenne pepper

    • Red pepper flakes: The same amount, crushed fine. Slightly milder, with visible flakes.
    • Hot sauce: A few dashes for each pinch. Adds vinegar and a little liquid.
    • Chipotle powder or hot paprika: The same amount. Chipotle is smoky; hot paprika is milder and fruitier.

    More for cayenne pepper

  • Swaps for baking powder

    Instead of baking powder

    • Baking soda + cream of tartar: ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar for each 1 tsp baking powder. Rises the same if you don't let the batter sit.
    • Baking soda + buttermilk or yogurt: ¼ tsp baking soda for each 1 tsp baking powder, and swap ½ cup of the recipe's milk for buttermilk or thinned yogurt. Good rise with a light tang.
    • Self-rising flour: Use it for the flour and leave out the baking powder and salt. Each cup has about 1½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt built in, so it only fits recipes close to that ratio.

    More for baking powder

  • Swaps for all-purpose flour

    Instead of all-purpose flour

    • Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: The same amount, a blend that includes xanthan gum. A little grittier and more crumbly, browns faster and dries out sooner.
    • Bread flour: The same amount. More gluten: chewier cookies and bread, tougher cakes.
    • Whole wheat flour: Up to half of the flour. Nuttier, darker and denser.

    All 4 swaps for all-purpose flour

    Cooking for an allergy? Check every label.

  • Swaps for vegetable oil

    Instead of vegetable oil

    • Another neutral oil: The same amount. No difference.
    • Melted butter: The same amount. Richer, buttery flavor; cakes are a little less moist and firmer once cool.
    • Light olive oil: The same amount. "Light" olive oil tastes mild.

    All 4 swaps for vegetable oil

  • Swaps for tahini

    Instead of tahini

    • Sunflower seed butter: The same amount. Sweeter and earthier; close in texture.
    • Cashew or almond butter: The same amount. Milder and sweeter.
    • Greek yogurt + a little sesame oil: The same amount of yogurt, plus a few drops of toasted sesame oil. Tangy and lighter; still tastes of sesame (skip the oil for a sesame allergy).

    More for tahini

    Cooking for an allergy? Check every label.

  • Swaps for lemon juice

    Instead of lemon juice

    • Lime juice: The same amount. A different, more floral aroma; works almost everywhere.
    • Bottled lemon juice: The same amount. More sour and flatter; fine in cooking and baking, less bright in dressings and drinks.
    • White wine vinegar or white vinegar: Half as much. Sharper, with no citrus aroma.

    More for lemon juice

  • Swaps for garlic

    Instead of garlic

    • Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
    • Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.

    More for garlic

  • Swaps for kosher salt

    Instead of salt

    • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
    • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

    More for salt

Step 1 of 12

Put the dried chickpeas in a large bowl, cover with 3 inches of cold water and soak at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. They will double in size.

Step 2 of 12

Drain the chickpeas in a colander and pat them dry with a towel.

Step 3 of 12

Put the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne in a food processor.

Step 4 of 12

Pulse, scraping down the sides now and then, until finely chopped and the texture of coarse sand. Don't run it to a smooth paste.

Step 5 of 12

Transfer to a bowl and stir in the baking powder and flour. Squeeze a spoonful: it should hold together. If not, stir in another tablespoon of flour.

Step 6 of 12

Cover and refrigerate the mixture to firm up.

Step 7 of 12

Scoop 2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls and flatten slightly into thick patties. Set them on a plate.

Step 8 of 12

Make the tahini sauce:
whisk (how to whisk) Whisk Beat ingredients with a whisk to mix them smoothly or to add air. 1. Use a bowl big enough to whisk without splashing; set it on a damp towel to stop it spinning.2. Hold the whisk loosely and move it in quick circles or side to side, touching the bottom.3. For lumpy mixtures, add liquid a little at a time and whisk after each.4. For sauces on the stove, keep the whisk moving across the whole bottom of the pan. Done when: The mixture is even with no lumps or streaks of egg. How to whisk: mistakes to avoid
the tahini, lemon juice, garlic and salt. It will seize and thicken; keep whisking in cold water a tablespoon at a time until smooth and pourable.

Step 9 of 12

Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high to 350°F (175°C). Never leave hot oil unattended.

350°F

Step 10 of 12

Fry (how to pan-fry) Pan-fry Cook food in a layer of hot oil that comes partway up its sides, turning it once, for a crisp crust. 1. Pour about ¼ inch of oil into a heavy skillet and heat it over medium to medium-high heat.2. Test it with a corner of the food: it should sizzle right away.3. Lay the pieces in, away from you, leaving space between them.4. Fry until the bottom is golden, then turn once with tongs or a spatula.5. Drain on a rack or paper towels. Done when: Both sides are evenly golden and crisp and the inside reaches its safe temperature. Safety: Hot oil spatters: dry the food first, lay it in the pan moving away from you, and keep a lid nearby. Never put water on an oil fire; slide the lid over it and turn off the heat. Keep pot handles turned in and children away from the stove.How to pan-fry (shallow-fry): mistakes to avoid
the falafel in batches without crowding until deep golden brown on the bottom.

350°F

Step 11 of 12

Flip and
fry (how to pan-fry) Pan-fry Cook food in a layer of hot oil that comes partway up its sides, turning it once, for a crisp crust. 1. Pour about ¼ inch of oil into a heavy skillet and heat it over medium to medium-high heat.2. Test it with a corner of the food: it should sizzle right away.3. Lay the pieces in, away from you, leaving space between them.4. Fry until the bottom is golden, then turn once with tongs or a spatula.5. Drain on a rack or paper towels. Done when: Both sides are evenly golden and crisp and the inside reaches its safe temperature. Safety: Hot oil spatters: dry the food first, lay it in the pan moving away from you, and keep a lid nearby. Never put water on an oil fire; slide the lid over it and turn off the heat. Keep pot handles turned in and children away from the stove.How to pan-fry (shallow-fry): mistakes to avoid
until the second side is deep golden and the centers are cooked through.

350°F

Step 12 of 12

Drain on a wire rack. Serve warm in pita with the vegetables and tahini sauce.

All done

Enjoy!

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Ingredients

  • Swaps for onion

    Instead of onion

    • Another onion: The same amount. Yellow is the all-rounder; white is sharper and crisper; red is milder raw and adds color; sweet onions are mildest.
    • Shallots: The same amount, chopped. Milder and sweeter, with a hint of garlic.
    • Leeks: About 1½ times as much, white and light green parts. Milder and softer when cooked.

    All 4 swaps for onion

  • Swaps for garlic

    Instead of garlic

    • Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
    • Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.

    More for garlic

  • Swaps for fresh parsley

    Instead of parsley

    • Dried parsley: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Very mild; it adds color more than flavor.
    • Cilantro: The same amount. Stronger and citrusy; suits Mexican and Asian dishes.
    • Celery leaves or chervil: The same amount. Celery leaves are peppery and grassy; chervil is mild with a hint of anise.

    More for parsley

  • Swaps for fresh cilantro

    Instead of cilantro

    • Dried cilantro: 1 tsp dried for each 1 tbsp chopped fresh (a third as much). Dried cilantro has almost no flavor; skip it as a garnish and add more of the other seasonings.
    • Flat-leaf parsley + lime zest: The same amount of parsley, plus a little lime zest. Fresh and green, without the soapy taste some people get from cilantro.
    • Thai basil or mint: Half as much. Sweeter and more perfumed.

    More for cilantro

  • Swaps for ground cumin

    Instead of cumin

    • Ground coriander: The same amount. Brighter and citrusy, less earthy.
    • Chili powder: Twice as much. Contains cumin, plus chile heat and garlic.
    • Caraway seeds, ground: Half as much. A related flavor, a bit sharper.

    More for cumin

  • Swaps for kosher salt

    Instead of salt

    • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
    • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

    More for salt

  • Swaps for cayenne pepper

    Instead of cayenne pepper

    • Red pepper flakes: The same amount, crushed fine. Slightly milder, with visible flakes.
    • Hot sauce: A few dashes for each pinch. Adds vinegar and a little liquid.
    • Chipotle powder or hot paprika: The same amount. Chipotle is smoky; hot paprika is milder and fruitier.

    More for cayenne pepper

  • Swaps for baking powder

    Instead of baking powder

    • Baking soda + cream of tartar: ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar for each 1 tsp baking powder. Rises the same if you don't let the batter sit.
    • Baking soda + buttermilk or yogurt: ¼ tsp baking soda for each 1 tsp baking powder, and swap ½ cup of the recipe's milk for buttermilk or thinned yogurt. Good rise with a light tang.
    • Self-rising flour: Use it for the flour and leave out the baking powder and salt. Each cup has about 1½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt built in, so it only fits recipes close to that ratio.

    More for baking powder

  • Swaps for all-purpose flour

    Instead of all-purpose flour

    • Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: The same amount, a blend that includes xanthan gum. A little grittier and more crumbly, browns faster and dries out sooner.
    • Bread flour: The same amount. More gluten: chewier cookies and bread, tougher cakes.
    • Whole wheat flour: Up to half of the flour. Nuttier, darker and denser.

    All 4 swaps for all-purpose flour

    Cooking for an allergy? Check every label.

  • Swaps for vegetable oil

    Instead of vegetable oil

    • Another neutral oil: The same amount. No difference.
    • Melted butter: The same amount. Richer, buttery flavor; cakes are a little less moist and firmer once cool.
    • Light olive oil: The same amount. "Light" olive oil tastes mild.

    All 4 swaps for vegetable oil

  • Swaps for tahini

    Instead of tahini

    • Sunflower seed butter: The same amount. Sweeter and earthier; close in texture.
    • Cashew or almond butter: The same amount. Milder and sweeter.
    • Greek yogurt + a little sesame oil: The same amount of yogurt, plus a few drops of toasted sesame oil. Tangy and lighter; still tastes of sesame (skip the oil for a sesame allergy).

    More for tahini

    Cooking for an allergy? Check every label.

  • Swaps for lemon juice

    Instead of lemon juice

    • Lime juice: The same amount. A different, more floral aroma; works almost everywhere.
    • Bottled lemon juice: The same amount. More sour and flatter; fine in cooking and baking, less bright in dressings and drinks.
    • White wine vinegar or white vinegar: Half as much. Sharper, with no citrus aroma.

    More for lemon juice

  • Swaps for garlic

    Instead of garlic

    • Garlic powder: ⅛ tsp for each clove. Mellower and sweeter, with no bite.
    • Jarred minced garlic: ½ tsp for each clove. Milder and slightly sour from the preserving liquid.

    More for garlic

  • Swaps for kosher salt

    Instead of salt

    • Table salt or fine sea salt: About half as much as Diamond Crystal kosher, about ¾ as much as Morton kosher. The same saltiness when measured this way.
    • Salt by weight: 1 tsp is about 6 grams of table salt, 5 grams of Morton kosher, 3 grams of Diamond Crystal kosher. The most reliable way to swap, especially in baking and brines.

    More for salt