Falafel

(8)

Tuck these tasty chickpea patties into whole-wheat pitas and top with tahini sauce (see associated recipe, below). Be sure to soak the chickpeas overnight for the creamiest mixture. The quick-soak method won’t work for these pan-fried falafel patties. You can chill the falafel mixture for a couple of minutes to make it easier to form into patties. This also allows the flavors to meld and strengthen.

5557009.jpg
Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
4
  • These seasoned chickpea patties are pan-fried to achieve a crispy texture.
  • Chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein to keep you full.
  • Parsley and lemon juice add freshness and balance out the flavors.
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

  • ½ cup packed flat-leaf parsley

  • ¼ cup chopped onion

  • 2 medium cloves garlic

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1-3 tablespoons water, if needed

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

Directions

  1. Drain soaked chickpeas; transfer to a food processor. Add ½ cup parsley, ¼ cup onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cumin, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon baking soda; process, adding 1 to 3 tablespoons water as needed, until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl; stir in ¼ cup flour until well combined. If necessary, add more flour, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the mixture holds together when squeezed, up to 1 tablespoon total. With damp hands and using about 3 tablespoons per patty, shape into 12 (1½-inch-wide) patties.

  2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium. Add the patties and cook until golden brown on the bottom, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip, swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and cook until golden on the other side, 2 to 4 minutes more.

Recipe Updates

Based on earlier review and comments of this recipe, we’ve retested and made the following adjustments (and updated the nutritional analysis accordingly):

  • Added flour to help prevent the patties from crumbling.
  • Added more detailed instructions for shaping the patties to help prevent crumbling.

Updated September 2025

EatingWell.com, July 2018

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

356 Calories
17g Fat
41g Carbs
12g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 3 patties
Calories 356
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 41g 15%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Total Sugars 6g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 12g 24%
Total Fat 17g 22%
Saturated Fat 2g 11%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Vitamin A 34µg
Vitamin C 14mg 15%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 3mg 17%
Folate 307µg
Vitamin K 137µg
Sodium 367mg 16%
Calcium 66mg 5%
Iron 4mg 24%
Magnesium 55mg 13%
Potassium 478mg 10%
Zinc 2mg 15%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.