Name: Crispy Falafel
Prep time: 157 min
Cook time: 367 min
Total time: 525 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: middle eastern
Ingredients: 2 cup dried garbanzo beans ((chickpeas)); 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 bulb garlic ((use less if desired)); 1 null yellow onion (chopped into 4 pieces); 0.75 cup fresh cilantro (roughly chopped); 0.5 cup fresh parsley (roughly chopped); 0.33 cup fresh dill (roughly chopped); 1 null zest of a lemon; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1.5 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon turmeric (optional); 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 0.25 teaspoon garam masala; 1.5 tablespoons chickpea flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional); 1 quart vegetable oil; 0.25 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

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1

Combine dried garbanzo beans (2 cups), baking soda (1 teaspoon), and water (4 cups) in a bowl. Stir and soak overnight.
2

Drain the [dried garbanzo beans] from water and thoroughly pat dry on a towel, removing as much moisture as possible.
3

In a small saucepan, heat olive oil (1 tablespoon) over medium heat. Add garlic (1 bulb) and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden brown. Remove the [garlic] and reserve the oil.
4

Add the drained [dried garbanzo beans] to a food processor with the cooked [garlic] and remaining ingredients: onion (1 yellow), fresh cilantro (0.75 cup), fresh parsley (0.5 cup), fresh dill (0.33 cup), of a lemon (1 zest), ground cumin (1 tablespoon), ground coriander (2 teaspoons), salt (1.5 teaspoons), turmeric (1 teaspoon) (optional), black pepper (0.5 teaspoon), cayenne pepper (0.25 teaspoon), garam masala (0.25 teaspoon), chickpea flour (1.5 tablespoons), and baking powder (1 teaspoon) (optional). Pulse, scraping down the sides often, until all ingredients are chopped and a thick batter forms. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to hydrate and intensify flavor.
5

Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls (a cookie scoop can help ensure even size).
6

Choose your preferred cooking method:
7

For Deep Fried (Traditional): Heat vegetable oil (1 quart) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350 degrees F. Add baking soda (0.25 teaspoon) to the oil. Drop [falafels] into the oil and cook for 2.5-5 minutes, moving to ensure golden brown on all sides. Remove from oil and place on a towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Repeat with remaining balls.
8

For Skillet Method: Add a little [olive oil] to a skillet and cook the [falafels] for 5-7 minutes, turning to ensure all sides are golden brown. Alternatively, for deep frying in a skillet, add enough [vegetable oil] to a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven and fry at 350 degrees F.
9

For Air Fryer (Oil-Free): Place the [falafels] in an air fryer at 350 degrees F and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. They should be golden brown.
10

For Baked (Oil-Free): Place the [falafels] on a baking sheet and bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. They should be golden brown.
11

Serve inside [pitas], or with [vegan turmeric garlic rice].