The Side of Falafel from The Halal Guys features golden, crispy chickpea patties seasoned with aromatic spices, served with a side of tangy tahini sauce, offering a flavorful and crunchy vegetarian delight.
Equipments
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Skillet or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Plate
- Paper towels
- Serving dish
- Small bowl (for tahini sauce)
- Whisk (for tahini sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas
- 1/2 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4-6 tablespoons flour
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 garlic clove (for tahini sauce)
- Salt (for tahini sauce)
Dried chickpeas should be soaked overnight to ensure the falafel achieves its signature golden crispiness and light texture. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro enhance the flavor and freshness, so avoid substituting with dried versions. Measure spices precisely to maintain the balance of aromatic flavors typical of The Halal Guys' falafel. Use just enough flour to bind the mixture without making it dense, which is key for a crunchy exterior. Your copycat Side of Falafel from The Halal Guys will capture the authentic taste and satisfying crunch when these ingredient tips are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Soak dried chickpeas in water overnight and drain.
- Roughly chop onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro.
- Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro to food processor.
- Pulse until coarse, even mixture forms.
- Transfer mixture to mixing bowl.
- Add cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, black pepper, baking powder, and flour.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly.
- Form mixture into small patties or balls.
- Heat vegetable oil in skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry falafel patties in batches until golden and crispy.
- Remove falafel with slotted spoon.
- Drain on plate lined with paper towels.
- In small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt.
- Serve falafel on serving dish with tahini sauce on the side.
Substitution
The Side of Falafel from The Halal Guys copycat menu is a crispy, flavorful vegetarian option made from spiced, ground chickpeas and herbs. If dried chickpeas are unavailable, canned chickpeas can be used by thoroughly draining and drying them to prevent sogginess. When forming patties, adding a bit more flour or breadcrumbs helps maintain shape during frying if the mixture feels too wet. Vegetable oil can be substituted with any neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve perfect crispiness. Your tahini sauce can be adjusted with extra lemon juice or garlic to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
Soaking dried chickpeas overnight is essential to achieve the right texture for your falafel; using canned chickpeas will result in a mushy mixture. When pulsing the falafel mixture in the food processor, avoid over-processing to keep a coarse texture that crisps up well during frying. Maintaining the oil temperature at around 350degF (175degC) ensures patties cook evenly without absorbing excess oil. Let your falafel drain thoroughly on paper towels after frying to keep them crisp and avoid sogginess.
Nutritions
The Side of Falafel from The Halal Guys is a nutrient-rich vegetarian option, providing a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber from chickpeas. The spices such as cumin, coriander, and cayenne add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, while fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro contribute essential vitamins and minerals. Tahini sauce, made from sesame seeds, offers healthy fats and calcium, enhancing the overall nutritional profile. Including this dish in Your diet supports heart health, digestion, and sustained energy levels.
Storage
Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and crispiness. Reheat falafel patties in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) for about 10 minutes to restore their crunchy texture. Keep tahini sauce separately in a sealed jar or small bowl, refrigerated for up to a week, stirring well before serving to ensure consistent flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute canned chickpeas to save soaking time, but be sure to drain and dry them well for better texture. For a twist on traditional herbs, try adding mint or dill along with parsley and cilantro to enhance the flavor profile. Baking the falafel at 375degF (190degC) for 20-25 minutes offers a healthier alternative while maintaining some crispiness when brushed lightly with oil. Using Greek yogurt mixed into the tahini sauce can create a creamier, tangier dip that complements the spices in your falafel perfectly.
Allergies
The falafel contains chickpeas, which are legumes that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The tahini sauce is made from sesame seeds, a common allergen that can trigger severe responses in certain people. If you have allergies to legumes, sesame seeds, or gluten (if wheat flour is used), consult with your healthcare provider before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Side of Falafel from The Halal Guys restaurant offers crispy, golden chickpea balls seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, providing a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian option. Its unique texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy tahini sauce, creating a delightful taste experience that complements the main dishes. You'll appreciate how this versatile side enhances any meal with authentic Middle Eastern flavors that are both hearty and nutritious. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this iconic taste fresh at home, customizing the seasoning and cooking method to suit your preferences.