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Crispy Falafel Bites Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

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These crispy falafel bites paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce offer a quick, easy, and delicious Mediterranean snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (canola or sunflower preferred)
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled and grated (excess water squeezed out)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place 1 cup dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with plenty of cold water. Soak overnight (8-12 hours).
  2. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas well under cold water.
  3. In a food processor, combine soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarse and grainy, not smooth.
  4. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Stir in baking powder and 2 tablespoons flour. Add an extra tablespoon if too wet. Let rest for 20 minutes.
  5. Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill in fridge.
  6. Shape falafel mixture into bite-sized balls (1 to 1 1/2 inches diameter) using wet hands or a small scoop. Place on parchment-lined tray.
  7. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan to about 1 1/2 inches deep to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Fry falafel balls in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
  9. Remove falafel with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with chilled tzatziki sauce.

Notes

Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight for best texture. Pulse mixture to a coarse grind, not smooth. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy falafel. Chill shaped balls if mixture is too loose. Drain grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki. Reheat falafel in oven or air fryer to keep crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: falafel, crispy falafel, homemade falafel, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean snack, vegetarian appetizer, easy falafel recipe

Find it online: https://larameals.com/crispy-falafel-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-with-creamy-tzatziki-sauce/