Delicious and Nutritious: Crunchy Falafel Recipe
Are you looking for a healthy and delicious meal that is both gluten-free and dairy-free? Then, look no further because Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel recipe has got you covered! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I highly recommend this recipe for its high nutritional value and unbeatable taste.
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is typically deep-fried. However, this recipe offers a healthier twist by using chickpea flour instead of traditional wheat flour to make the falafel gluten-free. Additionally, the falafels are baked instead of fried to give it an extra crunch on the outside while keeping it moist on the inside.
This recipe features a blend of fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, and spring onions which not only elevate the taste but also provide health benefits. These additions help to detoxify your body, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
With this recipe in your arsenal, you can rest assured that you’re getting a delicious and nutritious meal without compromising on taste or health. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress yourself (and your guests) with this crispy and flavorful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy recipe that will not only satisfy your cravings but will also keep you feeling full for hours, then Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel is the perfect choice for you. This gluten-free recipe is packed full of fresh and healthy ingredients, such as peas, fresh parsley, garlic, and spring onions, ensuring that not only is it tasty, but it’s also great for your well-being.
One of the best things about this falafel recipe is that it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The crunchiness comes from the sesame seeds and chickpea mixture, which means these falafels are baked rather than fried, making them both delicious and naturally gluten-free. Not only that, they’re easy to make when you follow the simple instructions.
This free vegan recipe is incredibly versatile, so whether you’re a vegetarian, a vegan or just someone looking for an alternative to chicken salad for lunch, these falafels won’t disappoint. You can either serve them up with some tahini sauce or pure yogurt dressing to add an extra level of flavor.
Moreover, this dish is suitable for plant-based eaters as it uses chickpea flour instead of wheat flour. It’s an excellent meal option because it contains vegetables and no animal products. If you need a complete meal option, try serving these crunchy falafels with some homemade hummus; this combination makes an ideal meal.
In summary, Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel guarantees to be your new favorite gluten-free snack or protein-packed lunch choice thanks to its nutritious ingredients that won’t leave out flavor. This delicious falafel recipe caters to all diets while delivering on taste! So why not give it a try? You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious and gluten-free falafel recipe:
- 1 can of chickpeas
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas, thawed
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- Small handful of fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- Small handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander seeds
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp chickpea flour
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)
These ingredients should be easy to find at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. If you can’t find chickpea flour, try using all-purpose gluten-free flour instead. You can also substitute the egg for a flax egg if you are vegan.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part – making our delicious gluten-free Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel recipe from scratch!
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the ingredients
First, preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F. While the oven is heating up, it’s time to prepare your ingredients. In a food processor, combine [ingredient list] until the texture is crumbly but fine.
Step 2: Combine and shape the mixture
Next, add in [ingredient list]. Pulse until all of the mixture is thoroughly combined but still has some texture. Using your hands or a small scoop, create approximately 16 evenly sized balls.
Step 3: Coat with Sesame seeds
Roll each ball in sesame seeds to give your falafels that crunchy outside (after all, that’s why we call them Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafels!). Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the Falafels
Once all of your balls are coated in sesame seeds and placed on the baking tray, bake them for about 30 minutes, or until they are crispy and slightly golden brown on the outside.
Step 5: Prepare Tahini Sauce
While waiting for your falafels to cook, mix together tahini sauce by whizzing [ingredient list] in a blender until smooth.
Step 6: Serve!
Take out your crunchy baked falafels out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot with a drizzle of tahini sauce on top and any other garnishes you like, such as fresh parsley or a side salad.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafels!
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to customize this Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel recipe to your liking. Here are some suggestions to help create new and exciting variations of this already delicious gluten-free falafel:
– Pea and Mint Falafel: If you’re looking for a recipe with a twist, try adding some fresh mint and peas into your falafel mixture. This will bring an extra burst of flavor, freshness and vibrant color to your dish.
– Chickpea Flour: For those who prefer a denser and earthier taste, substitute the “chickpea mix” in the recipe with chickpea flour. Mix 1 cup of chickpea flour with 1/2 cup of water, add seasonings as desired or as mentioned in the recipe instructions, then form into balls!
– Different Greens: You can try making this recipe using different herbs or greens instead of the parsley and spring onions suggested in the ingredient list. Experiment with cilantro, spinach leaves or kale, and see which variation pleases your taste buds.
– Add Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds, coriander seeds, or even pumpkin seeds on top of each falafel ball before baking it for extra crunchiness and texture.
– Vegan Falafel: To make this falafel 100% vegan, omit the egg from the mixture and increase the amount of water used instead. You could also try substituting ground flaxseed mixed with water or almond milk as an alternative to egg.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to embark upon in making this Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel recipe your own, always remember that experimentation is key. There’s no limit to what you can achieve when it comes to making delicious food!
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel recipe is that it can be served in a variety of ways. As a gluten-free, plant-based dish, this falafel makes for a delicious and healthy meal that will satisfy everyone at the table, whether they follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or not.
For a classic serving idea, try stuffing the falafel into a pita bread with fresh salad greens, chopped tomatoes, pickled onions, and drizzle tahini sauce on top. This combination provides a balance of textures and flavors that give you the perfect punch of tanginess to complement the falafel’s unique taste.
Another great idea is to pair Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel with some chicken salad, roasted vegetables, or even baked sweet potato fries. This can make for an ideal lunch break option that will keep you and your colleagues going all day.
Are you looking for something sweeter to balance out the spiciness? The falafel goes extremely well with Wicklewood Date Peanut Cookies Recipe or any other gluten-free dessert.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing this crunchy falafel recipe. So get creative by experimenting with different combinations of dishes and enjoy the versatility that this unique recipe has to offer!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later. This makes it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights or for hosting a party.
To make the falafels ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions listed in section (4) The Recipe How-To. Once the falafels have been baked to perfection and cooled down, store them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When you’re ready to serve your crunchy falafels, there are several easy ways to reheat them. One method is to heat them up in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F. This will help them regain their crispy outside and tender inside.
If you’re short on time, you can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Simply cook each side until golden brown and heated through, which should take approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
In terms of serving suggestions, these crunchy falafels are delicious with a variety of accompaniments such as pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce or even topped on a chicken salad or grain bowl. Pair them with some refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfyingly healthy meal.
With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this gluten-free, naturally gluten-free, vegan-friendly recipe has become one of my go-to dishes that is filling, flavorful and easy to make-ahead or as an afternoon snack!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got the recipe for Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel, it’s time to dive into some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time you make them. Here are some tips and tricks that will help you elevate your falafel game.
1. Properly drain the chickpeas
The key to getting the perfect texture for your falafel is by ensuring that your chickpeas are well-drained. Using a colander to rinse and properly drain them is a quick and easy way to remove any excess water from the chickpeas, which makes it easier to blend them and create a smoother texture.
2. Use egg as a binder
Adding an egg to your falafel mixture helps bind all the ingredients together, resulting in a firmer, more cohesive falafel. You can also use flax eggs if you want a vegan option.
3. Freeze the falafels before baking
Freezing your falafels before baking them helps give them their signature crunchy outside while keeping the insides moist – it’s important not to skip this step!
4. Don’t over-process the mixture
When processing the chickpea mixture, don’t overdo it – you don’t want a puree! Aim for a coarsely ground texture with some small pieces of beans still showing through.
5. Use sesame seeds or cornmeal to dust before baking
To get an extra crunch on your falafel, sprinkle sesame seeds or cornmeal on each ball before baking.
6. Serve hot with tahini sauce
Serve these delicious felafels as soon as they’re out of the oven, drizzled with creamy tahini sauce or tzatziki sauce (if not dairy-free)
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality falafels without leaving your kitchen!
FAQ
Before wrapping up this recipe article, I’d like to touch on some frequently asked questions about making and serving crunchy falafel. It’s important to dig into potential uncertainties and concerns that may arise during the preparation process to ensure perfect results every time. So, let’s clarify any doubts or confusion by addressing the key questions that often pop-up while trying this recipe.
Why is falafel not gluten free?
Typically, falafels available in stores and restaurants contain ingredients that are not suitable for those who follow a gluten-free diet, as they include chickpeas and wheat flour.
Can gluten free people eat falafel?
When it comes to falafel, it’s important to note that some varieties may contain gluten due to the presence of flour. If you plan on ordering this dish at a restaurant, it’s a good idea to confirm with your server which type of flour is used. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a 1-to-1 all-purpose blend.
Does Egyptian falafel have gluten?
Looking for a Middle Eastern snack that’s easy to make and healthy too? Try making traditional Egyptian falafels using fava beans instead of chickpeas. Our recipe is completely gluten-free and vegan, with no eggs, flour, or breadcrumbs involved.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, I hope that this recipe for Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel has been an inspiration for you to explore the nutritious and delicious world of gluten-free and dairy-free cooking. With its plant-based protein and fresh herbs, this falafel can be a staple in your diet, satisfying both your taste buds and nutritional needs.
Remember, with falafels being naturally gluten-free, they are an excellent option if you require a gluten-free diet. Furthermore, by making your own falafel at home you can control the ingredients and customize them to your taste buds.
So go ahead and try out this recipe for crunchy baked falafel which is loaded with fresh herbs that will have you craving more. Don’t forget to serve it with some delicious tahini sauce and salad or even as part of a wrap or pita sandwich. And remember, cooking with organic ingredients not only contributes to a healthier lifestyle but also helps the environment.
As always, keep experimenting with flavors and additions that suit your tastes, and don’t hesitate to substitute or modify ingredients to fit your needs. So let’s start cooking some healthy, delicious falafels!
Wicklewood’s Crunchy Falafel (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g chick peas, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 red chili, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chopped of fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten
- seasoning
- sesame seeds, for coating
- sunflower oil, for frying
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients except the sesame seeds and oil in a food processer and blend until the mixture forms a coarse paste. (If the mixture appears too wet, just chill for 30 mins.).
- Roll the mixture into 12 balls and roll in the sesame seeds, coat well.
- In a large frying pan heat about 200ml of sunflower oil and fry falafels in small batches, turning regularly for approximately 5 mins or until golden and crispy,.
- Drain and serve warm with dips or with a mixed salad in warm pitta breads.
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