I can still remember the first time I tried falafel waffles. It was a Sunday morning, and my friend had invited me over for brunch. As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, the aroma of warm, spiced chickpeas and freshly baked waffles enveloped me. I knew I was in for a real treat.
My friend ushered me to the table, where a stack of golden-brown falafel waffles stood tall, adorned with a dollop of tangy tahini sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. I watched in anticipation as she drizzled just a touch of vibrant green olive oil over the top. Without hesitation, I took a bite, and the flavors exploded in my mouth – the crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy, flavorful interior. It was love at first bite.
From that day on, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that unforgettable falafel waffle experience in my own kitchen. And I’m thrilled to share with you the secret to making the most delicious, perfectly textured falafel waffles you’ll ever taste.
Why This Falafel Waffles Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Falafel Waffles
The key to these falafel waffles is all in the technique. By using a combination of chickpeas, herbs, and a few simple pantry staples, you can achieve a crispy exterior and a fluffy, flavorful interior that will have your taste buds dancing. The secret lies in the perfect balance of spices and the gentle folding of the batter to ensure the falafel bites stay intact when cooked in the waffle iron.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed: These protein-packed legumes are the foundation of the falafel, providing a nutty, earthy flavor and a satisfying texture.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The flour helps to bind the falafel batter and give it the perfect waffle-like structure.
- 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the falafel waffles together and giving them a light and airy texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: These aromatic herbs infuse the falafel with a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a savory depth to the falafel, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin is a signature spice in falafel, providing a warm, earthy note that ties the whole dish together.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A touch of baking powder helps to create a light and fluffy interior for the falafel waffles.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A pinch of cayenne adds a subtle heat that balances the richness of the chickpeas.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt enhances the natural flavors of the falafel.
- Vegetable oil for the waffle iron: This ensures the falafel waffles release easily and develop a crisp exterior.
Step-by-Step Falafel Waffles Instructions
Preparing Your Falafel Waffles
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you can have these delicious falafel waffles ready to enjoy in just 35 minutes. All you’ll need is a waffle iron and a few simple kitchen tools to get started.
1- Begin by draining and rinsing the chickpeas in a colander. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, flour, egg, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, baking powder, cayenne, and salt. Use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash the chickpeas, leaving some texture. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3- Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat and lightly grease the surface with vegetable oil. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the falafel batter onto the hot waffle iron, spreading it into an even layer.
4- Cook the falafel waffles for 4-5 minutes, or until they’re golden-brown and crispy on the outside. The interior should be fluffy and cooked through.
5- Carefully remove the falafel waffles from the iron using a fork or tongs, and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6- Serve the warm falafel waffles immediately, drizzled with tahini sauce, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy this delicious, crispy treat!
Pro Tips for Success
- Thoroughly drain and pat the chickpeas dry before mashing – this helps to prevent the falafel from becoming too dense or soggy.
- Don’t overmix the batter – a light, gentle fold is all you need to incorporate the ingredients without developing too much gluten, which can make the waffles tough.
- Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly and use just a light coating of oil to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Resist the urge to open the waffle iron too often while cooking – this can cause the falafel waffles to stick or become misshapen.
Serving and Storing Your Falafel Waffles
Perfect Pairings for Falafel Waffles
These falafel waffles, which yield 6 servings, make for a delightful breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. They pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, such as a fresh green salad, a tangy tzatziki sauce, or a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, serve the falafel waffles alongside roasted sweet potato wedges or a side of hummus and warm pita bread. And to complete the experience, a refreshing glass of mint-infused iced tea or a crisp white wine would be the perfect beverage pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Falafel waffles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily prepare them in advance to save time. Once cooked, the falafel waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
For longer-term storage, the falafel waffles can be frozen. To do this, place the cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Then, transfer the waffles to an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the frozen waffles in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Falafel Waffles
Creative Falafel Waffles Variations
While the classic falafel waffle recipe is a delicious standby, there are plenty of ways to switch things up. Try adding shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness. You could also experiment with different spice blends, such as za’atar or baharat, to give the waffles a unique flavor profile. For a heartier meal, top the falafel waffles with a fried egg, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Making Falafel Waffles Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax or chia seed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water). And for a low-carb twist, use almond flour or chickpea flour in place of the all-purpose flour, adjusting the quantities as needed to achieve the right batter consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! If using dried chickpeas, you’ll need to soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before proceeding with the recipe. This will yield a slightly different texture, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q: How long does the total cooking time take for this recipe?
A: The total time for this falafel waffles recipe is 35 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time.
Q: Can I make the falafel waffles ahead of time and reheat them?
A: Yes, the falafel waffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes (refrigerated) or 10-12 minutes (frozen) until warmed through and crispy.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This falafel waffles recipe yields 6 servings.
Q: What should I do if the falafel waffles are not crisping up properly?
A: If you’re having trouble getting the waffles crispy, make sure your waffle iron is preheated thoroughly and that you’re using just a light coating of oil. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser, less crisp texture.
Falafel Waffles
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Falafel Waffles are a delightful twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish, combining the crispy texture of waffles with the aromatic flavors of falafel. These easy-to-make waffles are packed with chickpeas, herbs, and spices, making them a satisfying and flavor-packed meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
– 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for waffle iron
Instructions
1. In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas until coarsely chopped but not pureed.
2. Transfer the chopped chickpeas to a bowl and add the flour, egg, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, baking powder, cayenne, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Preheat a waffle iron and lightly grease with vegetable oil. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the falafel mixture onto the hot waffle iron and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Repeat with the remaining falafel mixture, making sure not to overcrowd the waffle iron.
5. Serve the falafel waffles warm, with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as tzatziki, hummus, or hot sauce.
Notes
For a crispier texture, let the falafel mixture rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also bake the falafel waffles in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Conclusion
These falafel waffles are truly a game-changer in the world of breakfast and brunch. With their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and bold, aromatic flavors, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee you’ll be hooked from the first bite. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations!
