Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys features golden, crispy falafel balls made from seasoned chickpeas and herbs, served alongside fresh cucumber and tomato salad, creamy hummus, and warm pita bread, offering a flavorful and satisfying Mediterranean experience.
Equipments
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Deep fryer or large heavy pot
- Slotted spoon
- Baking tray or plate (for draining)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Salad bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (for hummus)
- Serving platter
- Spatula or serving tongs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas
- ½ large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups diced cucumber
- 2 cups diced tomato
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups canned chickpeas (for hummus)
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed for hummus)
- 4 pieces pita bread
Dried chickpeas soaked overnight are essential for achieving the perfect texture in falafel; canned chickpeas won't provide the same crispy consistency. Use fresh parsley and cilantro for vibrant flavor, and ensure garlic and onions are finely chopped or processed to blend evenly. Baking powder helps create a light, fluffy interior while frying in hot vegetable oil at the correct temperature yields golden, crispy falafel balls. Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon juice in the salad enhance the dish's freshness and balance the rich flavors of the hummus and falafel. Your Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu will closely replicate the original by using these carefully selected and prepared ingredients.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Soak dried chickpeas overnight in water, then drain.
- Add soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a food processor.
- Pulse until mixture is coarse and holds together when pressed; do not puree.
- Transfer mixture to a mixing bowl, stir in baking powder and flour.
- Cover and refrigerate mixture for at least 1 hour.
- Shape chilled falafel mixture into small balls or patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry falafel balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Remove falafel with a slotted spoon and drain on a baking tray or plate lined with paper towels.
- In a salad bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt; toss well to make the salad.
- Blend canned chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and water in a blender until smooth to make hummus.
- Warm pita bread.
- Arrange falafel, salad, hummus, and pita bread on a serving platter.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Preparing the Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu allows for ingredient flexibility; you can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones, but reduce quantities as their flavors are more concentrated. If a deep fryer is unavailable, use a large heavy pot filled with vegetable oil for frying, maintaining the oil temperature around 350degF for crisp falafel. When preparing hummus, canned chickpeas can be replaced with cooked dried chickpeas softened by soaking overnight for better texture. Baking powder in the falafel mix helps create a lighter texture, but if unavailable, let the mixture rest longer before frying to aid fluffiness. You can serve your platter with store-bought pita bread or warm it gently to enhance softness before plating.
Tips
Soaking dried chickpeas overnight is essential to achieve the proper texture; skipping this step will result in falafel that falls apart or tastes grainy. When pulsing the mixture in the food processor, avoid over-processing to maintain a coarse texture that helps the falafel hold their shape during frying. Fry the falafel in oil heated to 350degF (175degC) to ensure they cook through evenly and develop a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil. For best flavor balance, toss the cucumber and tomato salad just before serving and warm the pita bread shortly before plating to keep it soft and pliable for your falafel platter.
Nutritions
The Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys provides a nutrient-rich meal primarily sourced from chickpeas, which are high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates essential for sustained energy. The fresh cucumber and tomato salad contributes vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and hydration, while the creamy hummus offers healthy fats from tahini and olive oil, supporting heart health. The warm pita bread complements the dish with additional carbohydrates and some B vitamins to aid metabolism. You can enjoy a balanced combination of macronutrients and micronutrients in this flavorful Mediterranean dish.
Storage
Store your falafel platter components separately to maintain freshness and texture; falafel balls can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. Keep the cucumber and tomato salad crisp by storing it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days, while hummus should be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Warm the pita bread just before serving to restore its softness and prevent it from becoming stale.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try baking the falafel balls at 375degF (190degC) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil content while keeping them crispy. You could replace half of the fresh parsley with fresh mint for a refreshing twist in flavor. Swap the traditional cucumber and tomato salad with a roasted eggplant and red pepper salad tossed in lemon and olive oil. Your hummus can be enhanced by adding roasted garlic and a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
Allergies
The Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys contains several common allergens, including garlic, onion, and wheat in the pita bread and all-purpose flour, which may affect individuals with gluten intolerance or wheat allergies. Chickpeas, a key ingredient in both the falafel and hummus, can cause allergic reactions in some people sensitive to legumes. You should avoid this dish if you have allergies to any of these ingredients or consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
The Falafel Platter from The Halal Guys offers a perfect blend of crispy, golden falafel balls paired with flavorful hummus, fresh salad, and warm pita bread, delivering an authentic Middle Eastern taste. This menu item is renowned for its balanced combination of textures and rich spices, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians and health-conscious diners. You'll find that recreating the Falafel Platter at home is worth the effort because it captures bold flavors and wholesome ingredients that are both nutritious and delicious. Mastering the recipe allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal tailored to your taste preferences anytime.