Homemade Baked Falafel

I made falaffels for the first time this week and I am pleased with the results.

The fresh falaffels turned out great, the left overs were a bit crumbly. I think I will add more moisture next time I make them...or fry them. Experimenting with how to make them perfect is just another good opportunity to eat more falafels!

Why make falafels?

I had some dry fava beans (2 cups) and decided to use them. This was a labor of love. I added water and soaked them overnight. The next morning I drained and rinsed them, added them to a pot with 1 cup of water and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Once they were relatively soft (add more water as needed) I let them cool so I could peel the outer shell off of them.

It took a while to make BUT it was worth it!

I know I can make falafels with chickpeas and I would not have to peel an outer shell. That would save just a bit of hand work. The falafels tasted great and was easy to make after the bean preparation. The bean prep can be eliminated if you purchase canned beans and rinse them.

Nutrition

Fave beans are high in protein and fiber and low in fat. According to healthline, they are known to improve motor function , improve cholesterol, improve high blood pressure, and boost immunity (something we need to fight COVID19). Some people have Favism, an allergy to )broad) fava beans . People with this should use chickpeas when they make falafels at home and check ingredients with restaurants before ordering.

Ingredients

• fava beans/chickpeas (Start with 1.5 cups dry)
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• juice 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup chickpea flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350
In a food processor, blender, or Vitamix, combine all of the ingredients EXCEPT chickpea flour
Add the chickpea flour as needed to thicken the mix
Add only as much as needed
Form the falafels into balls/patties and place on a parchment lined baking sheet
Rotate falafels on baking sheet after 20 minutes

Serve 

... as a sandwich or on a bed of lettuce

I added panisse as a side dish in this picture. I served a side salad to go with the meal. Hummus was added to the gluten free pita bread.