I have a love hate relationship with falafels. The addition of too many extra ingredients and spices can leave it almost unrecognizable but the absence of them can cause it to be flavorless. Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food usually served in a pita similar to our version of a veggie burger. It is a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. I love the idea of falafels but I just have never jumped completely on the band wagon until now! Thanks to Authentic Foods Falafel mix, I made the best falafels I have ever had with little to no fuss. The falafel mix is easy to prepare and great just as is but we all know I like to add my own “twist” on recipes (even pre-packaged mixes) so I opted to add in minced jalapenos, juice of a lemon and a handful of dill. The outcome- INSANE!
The lemon and dill add a nice light feel, the jalapenos bring some heat and the parsley, garlic and cumin present a perfectly smoky balance of flavor. There are plenty of recipes out there that say you can bake your falafels and yes of course you can but why mess with perfection. The whole draw to a falafel is the perfectly crispy exterior and a slightly chewy center. These falafels are insanely delicious, spot on and so easy to prepare. You can serve them on a salad or with a pita or just as an appetizer.
Flavorful, healthy and both vegan and gluten free you can’t go wrong with this falafel mix. It is light and airy and did I mention Pre-Made! We can all use a little pre-made in our life:) The Authentic Foods Falafel Mix allows you to use the base to create the falafel of your dreams:) Now jump on the bandwagon and make some falafels!
- 2¼ cups of Authentic Foods Falafel Mix
- 1½ cups club soda
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon
- ½ tsp each of sea salt and cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chopped dill
- 1 TBSP chopped parsley
- 1½ tsp minced jalapenos
- Mix together the soda, lemon juice and olive oil. Add in the falafel mix and remaining ingredients. Mix well and allow to stand covered for up to 5-10 minutes. The batter should be thick.
- Heat 1 inch of vegetable or canola oil in large skillet. Either make small balls with the mix or take a spoonful of the falafel mix onto and gently slide it into the oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side depending on the size of your falafel balls/patties. Serve immediately.
Can you believe I’ve never had falafel before? I can’t believe it myself. I just never got around to it. But I think you’ve convinced to try it out fast lol.
This traditional middle eastern food is delicious. This is quite a straight forward recipe and the jalapeno peppers will make things fiery. They look mouth watering!
I really like falafel-served on warm pita bread with tomato and tatziki sauce. Yum!!!
You did a nice job on your falafel 🙂
Velva
They look perfectly golden and delicious, love that they are gluten-free too!
I was so obsessed with falafel in high school that I way overdid it and had to take a long break. I’m all about it again, but agree that it has to be near perfect in order to be worth it! This looks awesome 🙂
I love falafel and when I pop them in a pita bread with onions, tomatoes, lettuce and tzatziki sauce, I’m in heaven. 🙂
Delicious Belle. I have a nephew who loves falafels.
Have a beautiful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
Looks delicious and your presentation is perfect.
Sam
My husband loves falafel. These look great!
Your falafel looks delicious! I think that I could finish a plateful in one sitting!
I’m with you when it comes to somewhat mixed feelings on falafel. Sometimes, the spices can be a bit too heavy for me. This mix sounds really intriguing and I love the twists you added, particularly the lemon. Would love to try this!
I have to find the Mix and try your recipe, it sounds so GOOD! Where can we find the Falafel mix? Please let us know- I would love to try your recipe this week! Thanks Jessica.
simply delicious indeed!
How interesting – I’ve never seen a mix and you know I love falafels! Very nice Jessica – that sounds looks wonderful too. Yum!
Your falafel looks perfect!!! And a shortcut makes it even better for those busy days (well, any day, really!). A perfect meatless meal 🙂
I love your twist on these lovely falafels!
They look so inviting & fabulous even! Yummm!
Good falafel is THE BEST. I definitely need to try your version!!
Falafel is much loved in my family. The best thing is they are versatile to be served as snack or with pita as a meal.
The power of fizz from sodas in recipes! I recall a vegetarian cake that my mom used to bake, with the help from 7up soda!
Sodas aside, these falafels are mesmerizing 😀
My kids have been inspiring me to try falafel and after reading your recipe, Jessica, I now know why! PINNED!
Buona Pasqua (Happy Easter) to you and your beautiful family,
Roz
Falafal sound flavorful and delicious! I bet the ready mix tastes great.
Mmm homemade falafel! Sounds like it would be tough. But your recipe makes it seem so easy (and delicious)!
Of course you made the falafel mix better! love the addition of jalapenos and dill to the batch.
I have the same love/hate relationship with falafel but I haven’t come across one I really, really like. Plus I’m not a fan of deep frying so I would opt for oven baked. It’s great that this mix is right to your taste, I really like the idea of crispy exterior and slightly chewy interior. Served with the right sauce, you may be able to convince me to try one!
Really thanks for this falafel recipe, you know I have prepared it last Easter and my family love this one! I’ve ordered hong kong peking duck and make this falafel as my side dish. You are amazing, thanks again =)