• 425g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained and patted dry
• 15g chopped fresh parsley
• 4cloves garlic, minced
• 2shallots, minced (~ 3/4 cup, 65 g | or sub white onion)
• 2Tbsp(17 g) raw sesame seeds
• 11/2 tsp cumin, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp each sea salt and black pepper, plus more to taste
• OPTIONAL: Healthy pinch each cardamom and coriander
• 3-4 Tbsp (24-31 g) all purpose flour (or sub oat flour or gluten free blend with varied results)
• 3-4 Tbsp (45 - 60 ml) grape seed oil for cooking (or sub any neutral oil with a high smoke point)
• OPTIONAL: Panko bread crumbs for coating (see instructions)

Instructions

1. 1

   Add chickpeas, parsley, shallot, garlic, sesame seeds, cumin, salt, pepper (and coriander and cardamom if using) to a food processor or blender and mix/pulse to combine, scraping down sides as needed until thoroughly combined. You’re looking for a crumbly dough, not a paste (see photo).

2. 2

   Add flour 1 Tbsp at a time and pulse/mix to combine until no longer wet and you can mold the dough into a ball without it sticking to your hands - I used 4 Tbsp.

3. 3

   Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I added a bit more salt, pepper, and a dash of cardamom and coriander. You want the flavor to be pretty bold, so don’t be shy.

4. 4

   Transfer to a mixing bowl, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up. If you’re in a hurry you can skip this step but they will be a little more fragile when cooking.

5. 5

   Once chilled, scoop out rounded Tablespoon amounts (~30 g in weight // I used this scoop) and gently form into 11-12 small discs.

6. 6

   OPTIONAL: Sprinkle on panko bread crumbs and gently press to adhere - flip and repeat. This will produce a crispier crust but is optional.

7. 7

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to generously coat the pan - about 2 Tbsp. Swirl to coat.

8. 8

   Once the oil is hot, add only as many falafel as will fit very comfortably in the pan at a time - about 5.

9. 9

   Cook for a total of 4-5 minutes, flipping when the underside is deep golden brown. Repeat until all falafel are browned - the deeper golden brown they are, the crispier they'll be. They will also firm up more once slightly cooled.

10. 10

    Serve warm with garlic-dill sauce or hummus, inside a pita with desired toppings or atop a bed of greens.

11. 11

    Best when fresh, though leftovers will keep in the refrigerator covered for several days. Freeze after that to keep fresh for up to 1 month.