This Is Not Falafel!
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
This Is Not Falafel!
Serves 6
185g (1 cup) dry chickpeas, soaked for 24 hours, drained and rinsed
1 small yellow onion, diced (100g)
1 garlic clove, sliced
25g parsley, cilantro, mint
175g carrots, sliced 1/4 inch thick and cooked in 2 Tbsp olive oil with a pinch of salt in a small covered pan stirring occasionally until tender and golden brown
1 heaping tsp Smoked paprika
1 heaping tsp coriander
1 heaping tsp cumin
1 Tbsp pomegranate molasses
8.5 g salt (1 Tbsp Diamond Crystal Kosher or 1.5 tsp table salt)
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (18g)
1 Tbsp olive oil
Heaping 1/4 tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Canola or some other neutral oil for frying
Process chickpeas in a food processor scraping down often until very finely ground, but not smooth. Remove to a bowl. Process onions, garlic, herbs, carrots and all the oil they were cooked in in the food processor until finely ground. Add to chickpeas. Add smoked paprika, coriander, cumin, pomegranate molasses, salt, pepper, flour and 1 Tbsp olive oil and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle in the baking soda, pour the lemon juice on top (the soda will foam and fizz), and stir it in thoroughly. Cover and chill in the fridge for 30 min (longer is fine).
Use 1 Tbsp measure to scoop the mixture. Level the tablespoon and scoop out the mixture onto a clean working surface using a small spoon (an eating spoon, not a measuring one). Don’t worry if the piles are messy and uneven. When all the mixture is divided, gently shape each pile into a rough ball with barely damp hands. At this point, the balls can be frozen in a single layer, then moved into a freezer bag. You can cook them right away or directly from the frozen state.
Bring 1 inch of neutral oil like canola to 350F in a small deep pot. Carefully lower as many balls into the pot as can fit comfortably. It’s a good idea to lower them into the oil with a spoon to avoid burning yourself. Cook until brown on the first side, 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook until brown on the other side. Sometimes they only want to stay on one side, which is fine. They will continue to darken after you remove them, so take them out slightly before they reach your desired color. Remove the balls to a paper towel lined plate using a slotted spoon. Add more oil as necessary (wait for it to reach 350F) and fry the other balls. Serve immediately with tahini sauce.
Tahini sauce:
1 garlic clove grated on a microplane
2 Tbsp (30g) lemon juice or to taste
3 Tbsp (45g) tahini (stir before using)
1/2 cup (120g) greek yogurt or sourcream
Salt
Mix everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Support my channel
/ helenrennie
My Online Cooking Classes:
www.helenrennie.com
FACEBOOK: / helenskitchencooking
TWITTER: / helenrennie1
INSTAGRAM: / helen.rennie
Пікірлер: 262
I haven't laughed so hard in years! The truth in why we all have scales!
@terebrown2892
2 жыл бұрын
ROFLMAO!!! I had to back it up 3 times to make sure I heard her right!
These are by far the best falafels I have ever tried. Taking the first bite made me almost cry :p. Instead of gulping them all down I contained my self and took my time so that I can savor them the way they deserved. Needless to say that it was one of the two best dishes I tried in 2020. Aaaaaah, this recipe will stay forever in my tabs. I’m vegan so I don’t regularly follow your content but lucky me my partner does. He was the cook for this dish and thank you dear because I know he is reading the comments. And of course thank you Helen for uploading this wonderful recipe. Keep up what you’re doing because you’re also really fun :)
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
So glad you enjoyed them :)
@MaithiliKulkarni
3 ай бұрын
😊😊
actually adding yogurt to your tahini sauce is traditional! at least where I come from in the Middle East...
@ThatBernie
3 жыл бұрын
You are gorgeous...
I asked a restaurant how they get theirs so moist. They told me the "secret" is avocado. I gave it a try and since then I always add avocado. Crispy on the outside, super moist inside. No flour or baking soda needed.
@hand_healthreadings3395
3 жыл бұрын
@youtubeAcc have you tried fried avocado bites ? Super Yum 🤗😋
@minnoux
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds interesting, how much avo would you use to Helen’s recipe?
@benjwilliams5104
3 жыл бұрын
Oooooh! I love this idea, thanks for the tip!
@aiaikago
3 жыл бұрын
@@minnoux I've never tried Helen's recipe. For a traditional recipe that starts with 280g dried chickpeas I use one medium avocado. I guess you could use up to two.
@aiaikago
3 жыл бұрын
@@benjwilliams5104 You won't regret it. What I love most about this is that they stay moist longer. Especially after coming out of the fridge.
yogurt is actually really traditional lol. i'm an arab, so i make falafel the traditional way, and they're not dry because i eat them with sauce and pickles and cucumbers and the like. but i think your way is pretty cool, and i might try it
@IndoPersian1969
2 жыл бұрын
Did you try it, Suzan? And what was your verdict?!
@S3lvah
2 жыл бұрын
Though probably not traditional, I had a very nice falafel wrap the other week, where the 'falafels' were surprisingly underseasoned and/or dry. But, the brightness of the pickled vegetables and the sauces wonderfully complemented them and made me crave their dry umami in every bite. Reminds me of the food portion philosophy that Adam Ragusea espouses: make each component imperfect on its own, so that they complete each other. (E.g. underseasoned carbs with too-salty-on-its-own sauce.) But as Helen says in the video (about not putting these in a sandwich), these are meant to be delicious on their own, so they're kind of fighting in a different league. Very cool, and I look forward to trying them one day.
@salamanje
2 жыл бұрын
@@IndoPersian1969 and yogurt is not a greek thing, it is a turkish thing. even the word is turkish!
@miyounova
2 жыл бұрын
@@salamanje noone said yoghurt is greek, but there is such a thing as Greek yoghurt.
I am from Egypt, we make falafel with fava beans instead of chickpeas and it comes out moist. However i had some chickpeas around so i tried your recipe. The 1st patch was a fail because i overcrowded the frying pan, the falafel fell apart and crumbled on top of the oil. 2nd patch i added less falafels and it turned out amazing ! Served with tahini sauce and salad, my family loved it. Thank you Helen for another great video and recipe.
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
thank you so much for giving this recipe a try. glad your family enjoyed it :)
Good idea! - The secret is not the carrots themselves - It's the addition of a cooked element in the Falafel ball that adds moisture to the final result.
I think that this is the first time that I have laughed out loud while watching a video like this one. I had to watch it twice to concentrate on the technique! 😂🇬🇧
I make a similar variation on falafel but add an 8 oz package of thawed and squeezed frozen spinach in place of carrots for a bit of extra moisture and flavor. I think it complements the other herbs really well and adds to the vibrant green inside that I like so much in falafel.
@admnerysrodriguez4633
2 жыл бұрын
WOW..... I love spinach. Will be trying this with my mixture.
I felt a need to defend falafel, but as usual, you made me happy to see your take on the traditional recipe. I love your candor and how relatable you are, Helen.
I love this video and thank you for this recipe and your great commentary!
That looks amazing! Can't wait to try it. All of your recipes come out perfect. I made your Earl grey chiffon cake last week and it was so good that my sister asked me to make it for her wedding
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh -- I am honored! Congrats to your sister :)
Hi Helen, I've been watching your channel for just over a year and just wanted to say thank you for all the informative and easy to watch videos! I've never had a bad experience with your recipes and I suspect this falafel will be no different. Hope you and your family are well. Looking forward to whatever comes next!
Helen, thank you so much for your videos. I needed some new inspiration (and to upgrade my skills in the kitchen), and your videos are perfect! thanks for the laughs as well.
Chefs are all middle schoolers at heart. I’m glad to see you’re really one of us. Drop your balls, indeed!
You are fantastic! Love your style and what a super recipe! Thankyou sooooo much x
These look yum! I have a favourite recipe, but will enjoy trying this different version!
Thank you for all you do, and this singular inspiration! Now I know what to do with all the butternut squash I harvested this fall!
Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this.
Helen, I have tried your (not) falafels in a gluten-free version: using rice flour in half the batch and oat flour in the other half, instead of wheat flour. The rice flour batch came out very good, the oat flour one ok but definitely more oily. I froze the uncooked leftovers like you suggested. Thank you!
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
glad you enjoyed it. thanks for the tip on the gluten free version :)
I enjoy these videos so much. Brilliant!
Fluffy and moist on the inside 😍 just what I wanted for my falafel!!
Thank you for this video. Those look amazing.
I just love watching you. all your recipes are brilliant
I make falafel in a meat grinder , very good results..definitely gonna try this recipe, thx!
I immediately hit the thumbs up button anytime I start watching a new Helen video. I haven't been wrong yet.
@IndoPersian1969
3 жыл бұрын
Yup! Same!
Helen, in Egypt we make the Falafel from fava beans, not chickpeas. This produces a much moister mixture. You can probably google: Egyptian Falafel or Tamiya recipe to see examples. Some have experimented having chickpeas and fava beans together and it seemed to have added the right moisture. Gotta say, love the creativity of this recipe. Been a subscriber for years. Great work!!
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
I've had fava bean falafel and loved it! I think it's a lot tastier than the chickpea version. The reason I tried to develop my recipe with chickpeas is because they are easier to find in American supermarket. I'll see if I can find dried favas online.
@RavinShah1996
3 жыл бұрын
@@helenrennie You can get fava beans at Stop & Shop.
Looks so yummy!!
I made this for dinner today. They were delicious! My hubby never had a falafel before, and he loved them!
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
so glad you enjoyed them :)
These look great!
This is the most subversive thing I've seen you do. Curious to try it. And kudos for your bravery in taking on such a divisive and well-loved food with a new idea.
You make my heart happy. I will now give Not Falafel to my daughter, who is not awful.
I will try this as all the falafel I have had have chokingly dry.
@fruitylerlups530
3 жыл бұрын
Im always saddened by this because man when youve had great, tender, moist falafel with a beautiful crust, ohh man itll be one of those things u crave just as much as anything with meat
I’m really glad to have found this video. I love the taste of falafels but have always been disappointed by how dry they are. I always thought the places I was getting them from must have been doing something wrong.
I really like the idea; thanks for sharing. I think I'll try it with peas instead of carrots.
this is a great recipe! i found a wonderful non-dairy yogurt that's made with pine nuts, it's got a really great flavor and a subtle natural sweetness. ''lava'' brand yogurt (i found it in whole foods market), i'm going to be trying that for my tahini sauce. thank you for the great ideas!
Love your videos...and your fun!!!
You’re so happy and cheerful in this video!
Omg Im lovin this. This recipe. You.
Even though many people here said that a tahini-yogurt is common, at least in Israel, in falafel-shawarma shops, it's not. Yogurt cannot be sold in the same place with meat, as it is not "kosher", therefore it is not commonly done. A falafel is usually a dish that's neither dairy nor meat-based here. Goes for both Jewish owned shops and Muslim ones (most have customers from all backgrounds and religions), at least in my experience, but will be happy to hear if someone knows otherwise? How is the dairy tahini thing goes in Islam-Hallal?
@noorhood
2 жыл бұрын
Falafel is usually served with tahini sauce but adding dairy tahini is halal in islam .
You didn't want to go traditional but went full traditional with the sauce. This is how the sauce is made in the original countries.
Very convenient, barely an inconvenience!!
Why am I only finding out about this instructor now? She is awesome!!!
Made them tonite for dinner, Sooooo amazing!
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
so glad you enjoyed them :)
I tried falafel 20 years ago in Israel and that night at the hotel I was sick. Lasted for 3 days. I doubt that the falafel was related to my illness, but it was the last thing I tasted when it came back up, so due to association it has left a bad taste in my memory. Last year I decided to give them another try and found an “authentic” Saudi recipe online. It called for so much cilantro that one bite was more than enough for me and I ended up tossing the rest. This recipe looks good so I’m ready to give them another try.
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
feel free to replace cilantro with parsley or mint if you don't like it.
The cream puffs video is on it's way… you mean the one that came out last week? Great video btw
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
oh sh*t -- I posted them out of order and didn't even notice. good thing someone is paying attention ;)
@funkygawy
3 жыл бұрын
Gram scale, memory loss, it's all adding up... :D
What brand non stick pan did you use? I need one and would love a recommendation. Love your videos! You've got me weighing everything!
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
the non-stick pan I used to cook carrots is Misen. I wouldn't buy it again. They wear out quickly. The pot I used to deep fry is some unknown brand from TJ Maxx. Google for a mini wok if you want something like that.
Love this idea to enhance the basic recipe! Must try this one. I’ve enjoyed all your videos and recipes. I notice you use pomegranate molasses quite a bit. Where do you find it? How about a video about when and how to use it?
@SuZiKaT22
2 жыл бұрын
My local Asian market has it, and I'm sure you could get on Amzn.
“So back to salt” Haha you’re very refreshing to watch
I'll go ahead and save this recipe ;) thanks
@woolzem
2 жыл бұрын
If you have more vegan recipes please do share!! ♡
Wow, somehow i stumbled on this video and channel. Wow. You are so cool.
I love traditional falafel but I'm very interested in trying this variation
Hi Helen, I discovered your channel very recently. Can give more information on the frying pot you used in this video. It would be even better if you give a link where to buy it. Thanks. Keep up the great work!!
I add cauliflower rice to my falafel. And I have always made my tahini sauce with sour cream. Seeing Helen do this validates my crazy choices!!
Hi Helen, what can be substituted for the pomegranate molasses? Love your videos, thanks!
I like falafel, but I have to admit these are terrific. The smoked paprika is addictive! I still put them in a sandwich along with classic falafel and it was delicious. I have falafel still in my freezer since I made both classic falafel and this recipe, so next will be a plate of hummus, vegetables, and tahini sauce to switch it up a little. I personally love Kenji’s tahini sauce so I made that instead, but I’ve made versions like Helen’s and they’re good, too.
Hi Helen, I love looking at your videos. I love falafel but I find it too grainy. So I decided to grind the chickpeas to a fine fine grind, I put garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, paprika and whatever you wish. I put a little oil in a narrow saucepan , use a spoon and throw small batches in the oil. It is so delicious. Try it Helen,
Helen I enjoyed listening & watching you. Have you tried mixing equal portions of chickpeas & fava beans. I have had it at an Egyptian restaurant & they are deliciously moist😋
Looks good...Danke
Awesome video! Can one use canned chickpeas instead of soaked dried ones? Thanks!
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
no -- the texture of canned chickpeas is WAY softer than soaked chickpeas.
I too always struggle with actual Falafel. I like the notion of turning this into a moistier and perhaps sweeter version with sweet potatoes though.
@camouflagejumpsuit
3 жыл бұрын
yum sounds good
I'm not sold on all of the sweet ingredients, especially the carrots. It's a matter of taste I suppose, but my go-to is potatoes, which is very common in Iranian falafel. I'm also very confused about the choice to not remove the chickpea skins. While I understand that removing the skins is arduous to the point of bordering to prohibitive, I think that the skins ruin a wonderful dish.
@SuZiKaT22
2 жыл бұрын
I definitely remove the skins for hummus. The texture is far superior to blending with them on.
🤣🤣 while the falafel mix is chilling, let's skin up a big blunt! Awesome 👌
traditionally falafel are spiced with cumin and coriander as a base and other spices are what you prefer to add like paprika, tumeric ect
@TheHeartInTheSpade
3 жыл бұрын
and also white onion of often used over yellow as it is milder. Ofc as u said you didn't do it traditionally and im not berating you for it, just pointing out how its make traditionally for those who might want to know
Lol I love her. The family friendly channel bit was funny
Thanks for the video, looks great, looking forward to trying it. Question: what is the purpose of baking soda in the recipe and why does it need to be activated? Спасибо!
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
baking soda produces a lighter texture. It's a chemical leavening agent. In order for it to work, it needs acid -- this makes it produce bubbles which expand when you apply heat.
@pavelshalman
3 жыл бұрын
@@helenrennie thanks a lot for the reply. I was just under the impression in order for that to work it need to be activated just right before you cook something. In this case it is activated about 30min before cooking...
I have my scales because I buy and sell scrap gold. Honestly officer.
And speaking of "cool twists", a tzatziki would be fab with these!!!
New to your channel - this was delightful! I'm pretty sure I can substitute gluten free flour and come up with a delicious and safe result! Thank you! 🙏🏻
I used to think j hate falafel because all the falafel at home was dry I moved somewhere different and where I live now I struggle to find dry falafel. I love it now!
Thanks for calling me out on why I have a gram scale! Shhhhh.
Running to the kitchen after this video! 😍😍😱😱😱😱
Thanks for the channel🥰, can I ask what can you use instead of pomegranate molasses? I can't find it where I live (Italy) thank you
@helenrennie
2 жыл бұрын
use balsamic vinegar, but reduce the amount to 1 tsp
@marcotesti3909
2 жыл бұрын
Io la ho ordinata su Amazon!
If you think falafel is dry, then you’re not eating good falafel.
@aspiringtosomething2023
3 жыл бұрын
Totally agree
Helen! I hope you’ve treated yourself to a proper 14-cup Cuisinart since this video. You’ve earned it!
That scale joke made me lol at 3 am
What are the pink pickles from Middle Eastern restaurants called? They're delicious and I love them.
Thank you for the great video. Is it possible to use a different binder than the two tablespoons of flour? Or could it possibly be left out? I roommate has an intolerance to most grains, but I am sure she would love these!
@rosepearl7092
3 жыл бұрын
I've never done this with wheat flour. In my country people use chickpea flour. You can find in South Asian shops and natural food shops.
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
I would try chickpea flour or rice flour.
@rosepearl7092
3 жыл бұрын
@@helenrennie Rice flour doesn't bind - it adds crunch. Great for onion bhajis, but not for falafel where you want a moist result.
@elleboman8465
3 жыл бұрын
Vegetarian catering cook weighing in: Psyllium husk is my go-to binder for gluten free balls and patties! It works so well that I've started added it in "regular" recipes as well. But it's super strong, so as a substitution for 2 tbsp of wheat flour I would add maybe 1 tsp of psyllium and 1½ tbsp of cornstarch. Works best if you let the mixture sit for a while before shaping. :^)
@rosepearl7092
3 жыл бұрын
@@elleboman8465 What a great idea!
Can't wait to try this!! Could I substitute honey for the pom molasses?
@annchovy6
2 жыл бұрын
Pomegranate molasses are tart, not at all like honey! Something like balsamic vinegar is more similar.
@curtrochon2732
2 жыл бұрын
@@annchovy6 Thank you!!
Love this 💋😘😍👏
Helen, could you please share a link for the frying pan in your video. Thanks
I tried to search the comments, but I would love to find the pot you used here. Can you post a link?
@Helen Rennie Wondering why baking soda and lemon juice instead of baking powder?
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
baking powder might work too. I haven't tried.
Have you tried onion bhaji? They are also chickpea fritters. Or chilli bites?
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
Just googled for onion bhaji -- they sound so good :)
@IndoPersian1969
3 жыл бұрын
@@helenrennie They are the best! Greetings from Bombay, Helen! HUGE fan here!
The last time i was this early falafel was still moist
My last falafel was so dry, I sold it to my neighbours as a moisture absorber.
#realcomment. Do you have to use a bovine/ovine dairy product for the yoghurt? I have allergies.
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
you can substitute a vegan yogurt or sour cream
Anu suggestion for a spice to add to replace paprika due to allergies (all capsicum peppers allergy)? I am wandering if a little tomato paste would be a good alternative?
@suzanm1751
3 жыл бұрын
traditional falafel has no paprika, so it would be fine to leave it out
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
Just leave it out. I add it for smokiness. tomato paste isn't smoky.
I know this is older video but I must know about the little "bowl" pan....please : )
You're a really good cook. The only non-vegan chef I follow.
I feel like eggplant could be a good add-in for these. Might absorb extra oil though.
@benjwilliams5104
3 жыл бұрын
She mentioned they freeze well; I imagine that freezing the eggplant falafel would reduce oil absorption during frying? I'd have to try it, though.
Helen is a good reason to visit Boston.
Do you have a Hummus recipe?
I've made these 3 times, freezing the balls each time. Twice, they were still frozen on the inside, even after they were well browned in the oil. What am I doing wrong?
Yum!
Hi Helen, What is the diameter of your mini wok. Thanks.
Honestly, this is the type of falafel I saw all over growing up in Jordan. I'd say these are pretty traditional o:
Any substitute for the pomegranate molassas?
@helenrennie
3 жыл бұрын
balsamic vinegar mixed with honey or maple syrup (50/50)
I promise is a family friend channel AAAAH
👍👍