Homemade Chickpea Falafels

Rediscover the pleasure of falafel with this authentic, flavorful recipe perfectly suited to the needs of women in perimenopause. Packed with nutrients, these golden bites showcase chickpeas ,an exceptional source of natural phytoestrogens to help regulate hot flashes on a daily basis.

Thanks to their high fiber content and the combined action of garlicand onion-, these falafels actively support your heart healthbased alternative that respects your blood sugar balance. Crispy on the outside and meltingly tender on the inside, they're ideal for creating healthy and delicious meals. Falafels can be enjoyed on their own, with raw vegetables, or with sauces like hummus or tahini.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Rest time: 12 hours

Total time 12 hrs 25 mins

Cooking method: Ninja Foodi, Traditional

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Special diet: naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

250g a of dried chickpeas minimum of 12 hours)
1 onion , finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 bunch of fresh parsley
1 bunch of fresh coriander (optional)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp baking soda
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for cooking

Preparation

1
Preparing the chickpeas: After soaking them, drain and dry the chickpeas thoroughly.
2
Mixture: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro (if using), cumin, ground coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Process until you have a crumbly but homogeneous paste. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water to bind it without making it too wet.
3
Resting: Place the falafel dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up and make it easier to shape.
4
Shaping the falafels: Once rested, form small balls (or patties) with the dough. Make sure they are compact so they don't fall apart during cooking.
5
Cooking: In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the balls and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. For a healthier result, cook in your air fryer (12 minutes) or in the oven (20 minutes).
6
Serving: Serve your falafels piping hot, accompanied by salad and sauces of your choice based on tahini (sesame paste) or yogurt.

Note

You can also bake the falafels in the oven at 200°C (390°F) for 20 to 25 minutes for a lighter version. Brush them lightly with oil so they brown nicely. These falafels will keep in the refrigerator for a few days and can be frozen once cooked for quick meals.

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