Here’s a Delicious Falafel Recipe for Your Little Foodies

I say ‘nuggets’, you say falafel! That’s right. These crispy, protein-packed and gluten-free balls of deliciousness and nutrition are perfect for your little fussy eaters.

‘Falafel,’ the Mediterranean dish made with chickpeas and vegetables, has gained quite a lot of favour among kids and adults alike, as their preferred finger food. Although the authentic recipe includes deep frying, you can easily skip that and opt for either airfrying them or even baking them for a healthier option.

Here’s our falafel recipe that you will make over and over again as your kids (and the adults too!) would love it!

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea / Kabuli chana
• 1/2 cups mixed vegetables such as corn, carrots, peas and/or green beans
• ½  onion (finely chopped)
• fistful coriander leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• salt to taste
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp pepper (crushed)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp maida / plain flour / refined flour / all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for baking)
• 1 cup oil for frying

Method

1. First, soak 1 cup of chickpeas overnight in enough water.
2. Drain the water the next day and transfer it to a bowl or food processor.
3. Take the vegetables, onions, a fistful of coriander leaves, 2 garlic cloves, ½ tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp cumin powder, ½ tsp chilli powder, ½ tsp crushed pepper, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and salt to taste.
4. Blend these coarsely in the food processor without adding any water.
5. Now, add 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour.
6. Mix in the baking soda thoroughly.
7. Now, wet your hands and make small balls. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a tbsp more maida and mix well.
8. In hot oil, deep fry the balls.
9. Stir occasionally while keeping the flame on medium.
10. Once the falafel has turned golden brown, drain it on kitchen paper.
11. Finally, serve the falafel hot with your favourite hummus or mint chutney.

Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C and place the falafels on a baking sheet.
2. Spray oil on both sides of the falafels.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

Nutrition Value 

• Calories: 247kcal 
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 652mg
• Fibre: 7g
• Sugar: 2g