How to Make Crispy Falafel Bites with Hummus for Appetizers

How to Make Crispy Falafel Bites with Hummus for Appetizers

If you’ve ever dreamed of making restaurant-quality crispy falafel bites with hummus at home for your friends and family to munch on, your dream is about to come true! Falafel, a Middle Eastern gem, is a favorite for many, thanks to its crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Paired with creamy hummus, these bites are the perfect combination for a starter or a light snack. Let’s dive into the simple steps to make these delicious crispy falafel bites, followed by the creamy hummus.

Ingredients for Crispy Falafel Bites:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Ingredients for Hummus:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed)

Let’s Make Falafel:

1. Preparation: Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry. Remember, using canned chickpeas won’t give you the same crispy texture.

2. Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onions, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground. You’re aiming for a grainy texture, not a smooth paste.

3. Add Baking Powder: Sprinkle baking powder over the mixture and give a quick pulse to incorporate. This will help the falafel get that much-loved crispy exterior.

4. Chill: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step helps the flavors meld together, and it’ll make shaping the falafel easier.

5. Shape Falafel: Once chilled, shape the mixture into small balls or slightly flattened disks. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a little water to help it stick together. However, it should not be overly wet.

6. Fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to about 375°F (190°C). Carefully drop in the falafel pieces and fry them until golden brown, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; do it in batches if necessary.

7. Drain: Once the falafels are fried to a perfect golden crisp, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen towels to remove excess oil.

Let’s Make Hummus:

1. Blend Chickpeas: In your food processor, blend together chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt until smooth.

2. Adjust Consistency: While blending, gradually add olive oil and water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Some like their hummus creamy and smooth, while others prefer it a bit chunky. Adjust according to your liking.

3. Taste Check: Don’t forget to taste your hummus and adjust the seasonings if needed. More lemon for tanginess, a pinch of salt, or an extra garlic clove can make a big difference.

Serving:

Now that you’ve got your crispy falafel bites and creamy hummus ready, it’s time to plate up! Spread a generous amount of hummus on a serving plate, arrange the falafel bites around it, and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil. Don’t forget to serve this delightful appetizer with some fresh veggie sticks or warm pita bread for dipping.

Making crispy falafel bites with hummus might seem like a culinary challenge at first, but following these simple steps, anyone can bring this delicious appetizer to the table. It’s not just about the crispy texture or the flavorful bite; it’s about creating a dish that brings people together, sparking conversations, and making memories over food. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and watch as these falafel bites disappear faster than you can say, “Who wants more?”