Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe

If you have been searching for an irresistibly delicious way to jazz up your mealtime, look no further than this Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe. Picture golden, crunchy falafel patties that are perfectly seasoned and tender on the inside, served alongside creamy tahini, refreshing tzatziki, and rich hummus. This combination is absolutely bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant Middle Eastern flair that will have you coming back for more every time. Whether you’re a longtime falafel fan or just diving into plant-based delights, this recipe brings together familiar favorites to create a truly unforgettable dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients in this Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe are simple, quick to source, and essential to get that authentic taste and texture. Each item plays an important role — from the herbs adding freshness, to the spices building complexity, and the chickpeas delivering hearty protein and that classic falafel bite.

• 1 medium white onion, grated: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness; be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid for a crispier falafel.
• 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed: The star ingredient, providing a deliciously nutty, creamy base.
• 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped: For that punch of aromatic flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley: Introduces bright herbal notes and vibrant green specks throughout.
• 2 tablespoons minced cilantro leaves: Enhances freshness and adds complexity to the herb blend.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne: Just a hint of heat to warm the palate gently.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Earthy and smoky, cumin is a falafel must-have for authentic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances and brings out all the flavors perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps keep the falafel light and tender inside when fried.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Binds everything together for easy patty formation.
• Vegetable oil, for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that crisp outer crust.
• Tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce, and hummus: Classic, creamy accompaniments that turn simple falafel into a meal worth savoring.

How to Make Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe

Step 1: Squeeze the Onion

Start by grating the medium white onion. This step is crucial because onions carry a lot of moisture that can make falafel soggy if not managed. Place the grated onion in a thin kitchen towel and give it a good squeeze to wring out as much liquid as you can. This little trick sets the foundation for falafel that crisps up beautifully on the outside.

Step 2: Mix the Chickpeas and Herbs

Next, add the squeezed onion, drained chickpeas, garlic, parsley, and cilantro into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until everything is well combined but not pureed — you want some texture to remain. Then transfer this mixture into a large bowl where you’ll stir in the spices: cayenne, cumin, sea salt, baking powder, and flour. Each of these adds layers of flavor or supports the right texture for perfectly shaped falafel.

Step 3: Form the Patties

With your hands, form the mixture into patties about 2 tablespoons in size and roughly 1 inch thick. Consistency here matters since too thick will yield undercooked centers, and too thin may cause breakage during frying. These little rounds are the heart of the dish — your personal canvas of crunchy goodness.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pot and pour in enough vegetable oil to fill about 3 inches deep. Attach a deep-fry thermometer and heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Heating the oil to the right temperature is a must for that signature falafel crunch while keeping the inside delightfully tender.

Step 5: Fry the Falafel

Working in small batches, carefully place the patties into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried falafel onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step delivers the crispy, golden exterior that everyone loves about falafel.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve your falafel warm alongside bowls of tahini sauce, cool tzatziki, and creamy hummus. These classic dips pair perfectly with the falafel’s flavors and textures, elevating every bite. A truly unbeatable combination!

How to Serve Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of sumac, or a dash of smoked paprika add color and flavor contrast when plated. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top brightens the whole dish effortlessly. Don’t forget some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for extra crunch and freshness.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe shines when paired with simple sides like warm pita bread, a crisp Israeli salad, or fragrant rice pilaf. These sides balance richness and provide complementary textures that round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stuff the falafel into pita pockets with your favorite sauces and fresh veggies for handheld wraps. Or try them atop a bed of greens for a vibrant falafel salad. You can even layer falafel, hummus, and tzatziki in bowls for a deconstructed falafel experience that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauces separate to maintain their fresh flavors and consistency. This way, each bite tastes just as good as freshly made.

Freezing

Falafel freezes beautifully. Arrange cooled falafel patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for a quick snack or meal anytime.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, warm falafel in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method helps them regain crispy edges without drying out the inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

Yes! In this Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe, canned chickpeas are perfectly fine and save a lot of prep time. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid soggy falafel.

What’s the key to getting falafel crispy?

Removing excess moisture from the onion and chickpeas, and frying in hot oil at the right temperature, are crucial for crispy falafel. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan so each patty can fry evenly.

Can I bake falafel instead of frying?

While frying produces the classic crispy texture, baking is a healthier option. If baking, brush patties lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.

How do I make tahini sauce?

Tahini sauce is simply tahini paste mixed with lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt. Adjust water to get your preferred consistency. It’s silky, nutty, and pairs beautifully with falafel.

Are falafel gluten-free?

The traditional recipe includes flour for binding, which contains gluten. You can substitute with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour to make this Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Homemade Falafel with Tahini, Tzatziki, and Hummus Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s approachable, filled with vibrant flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you make it yourself, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making falafel at home all along. So go ahead, dive in, and let this recipe bring a little crispy magic to your table!

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