Falafel with Quick Hummus and Yogurt Sauce – A Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
Falafel with quick hummus and yogurt sauce is a delightful, flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of crispy falafel with a creamy, tangy hummus and refreshing yogurt sauce. This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a satisfying appetizer that’s both healthy and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family meal, a gathering with friends, or a special occasion, these falafel balls paired with hummus and yogurt sauce are sure to impress.
Recipe Details
- Category: Appetizers
- Serves: 4 people
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried chickpeas | 500g |
| White onions | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Cumin powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Cooked chickpeas (canned) | 300g |
| Tahini | 100g |
| Greek yogurt (for hummus) | 200g |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | 1 bunch |
| Tabasco® sauce | 10g |
| Smoked paprika | A pinch |
| Lemon juice | ½ lemon |
| Olive oil (for yogurt sauce) | To taste |
| Seed oil (for frying) | 1L |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Quick Hummus
To begin this recipe, you will first make the quick hummus. Start by using precooked chickpeas to save time. Place the chickpeas in a food processor along with the fresh parsley, Greek yogurt, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. You should have a dense and homogeneous mixture. Once blended, transfer the hummus to a small bowl. The hummus is ready and can be set aside for serving later.
Step 2: Making the Yogurt Sauce
While the hummus is prepared, move on to making the yogurt sauce. Start by squeezing the juice from half a lemon and add it to a bowl containing Greek yogurt. Next, add the chopped mint leaves for a fresh, aromatic touch. Season with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set the yogurt sauce aside as you move to the next step.
Step 3: Preparing the Falafel
For the falafel, begin by soaking the dried chickpeas in cold water for 24 hours before using them. Once soaked, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Peel and roughly chop the onion, and peel the garlic, removing its germ. Place the soaked chickpeas, onion, and garlic into a food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined, but not pureed.
Add the finely chopped parsley to the mixture, followed by cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pulse again to blend everything together. The mixture should be firm and sticky enough to shape into small balls or patties.
Step 4: Frying the Falafel
Once the falafel mixture is ready, heat the seed oil in a large pot over medium heat. The ideal temperature for frying falafel is between 165°C and 180°C (330°F to 350°F). If you have a kitchen thermometer, use it to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature.
Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the falafel mixture and shape them into balls or patties. Carefully lower them into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the falafel for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Once fried, remove the falafel from the oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 5: Serving
To serve the falafel, arrange them on a plate along with the quick hummus and yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. The smoky, crispy falafel paired with the creamy hummus and tangy yogurt sauce makes for a delightful appetizer that’s sure to please any crowd.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Tips for Success
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Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a burst of flavor to the falafel but also enhances the color of the dish. If you want extra freshness, you can also sprinkle some chopped parsley over the finished falafel before serving.
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Adjust Spice Levels: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding more Tabasco® sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the falafel or the yogurt sauce to give it an extra kick.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the falafel mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to fry. This will help the flavors meld together even more, making the falafel even tastier.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve the falafel alongside fresh pita bread, a salad, or even pickled vegetables for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This falafel with quick hummus and yogurt sauce is not only a delicious appetizer but also a healthy one. Chickpeas are rich in fiber and protein, making this dish filling and satisfying. The yogurt sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy falafel, and the hummus provides a creamy texture and flavor that complements the entire dish. Whether you’re serving it for a casual meal or a more festive occasion, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
