Teresa's Recipes
Crispy Fava Bean Falafel
Indulge in these crispy and flavorful fava bean falafels, a delightful twist on traditional chickpea falafels. Originating from the Middle East, falafel is a beloved street food that brings together aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and wholesome legumes. These fava bean versions are not only lighter but also packed with a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with a zesty tahini sauce. Serve them warm in pita bread with fresh veggies for a satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, soaked overnight Dried fava beans
- 1 medium, chopped Onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- for frying Vegetable oil
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the soaked fava beans thoroughly.
- In a food processor, combine the fava beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the all-purpose flour until well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small patties or balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Ensure there is enough oil for shallow frying.
- Fry the falafels in batches, cooking until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve the fava bean falafels hot with the zesty tahini sauce, warm pita bread, and your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber.
Tips
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour.
- You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer baking over frying, place the formed falafels on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.