Chickpea & Oats Falafel Recipe
Falafel is a Middle Eastern classic that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This version of falafel uses the earthy flavors of chickpeas combined with hearty oats for a unique, high-protein vegetarian twist. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these falafels are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve them with a side of Lemon Coriander Hummus, Tabbouleh, and Pita bread for a wholesome meal your family will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas) | 1 cup (soaked for 8 hours) |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 60 grams |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (chopped) | 2 cloves |
| Parsley leaves (chopped) | 4 sprigs |
| Cumin powder (roasted) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | As required (for frying) |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
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Cook the Chickpeas: Start by cooking the soaked chickpeas until they are soft and mashable. A pressure cooker is a great choice for this step, as it reduces cooking time significantly. The chickpeas are ready when you can easily mash them between your fingers.
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Prepare the Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, instant oats, all-purpose flour, garlic, parsley, cumin powder, black pepper, and salt. Blend until you achieve a coarse, thick paste. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Shape the Falafel: Divide the falafel mixture into small portions, approximately the size of a ping pong ball. Flatten them gently to form small patties.
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Cook the Falafel:
- Pan-fry Option: Heat a Kuzhi Paniyaram pan or any similar pan with small cavities. Add about half a teaspoon of oil to each cavity. Place the shaped falafel into the cavities and pan-fry until crisp and golden brown on both sides. Add a few more drops of oil when flipping the falafel to ensure an even color.
- Deep-fry Option: Alternatively, heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Fry the falafel in batches until they are evenly browned on all sides.
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Serve: Serve your Chickpea & Oats Falafel with fresh Lemon Coriander Hummus, Tabbouleh, and warm Pita bread for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
These falafels are perfect for a protein-packed, vegetarian lunch or dinner. The combination of chickpeas and oats offers a delightful texture and earthy flavor, while the crispy exterior adds an irresistible crunch. Enjoy this wholesome recipe with family or friends!
