Easy Authentic Falafel Recipe: Step-by-Step

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1. 1Step 1: One day in advance, place the dried chickpeas and baking soda in a large bowl and add water to cover by at least 2 inches. Soak overnight for 18 hours (or longer if the chickpeas are still too hard). When ready, drain the chickpeas completely and pat them dry.
2. 2Step 2: Add the chickpeas, herbs, onions, garlic, and spices to the large bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Run the food processor 40 seconds at a time until all is well combined, forming the falafel mixture.
3. 3Step 3: Transfer the falafel mixture to a container and cover tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to one whole night until ready to cook.
4. 4Step 4: Just before frying, add the baking powder and sesame seeds to the falafel mixture and stir with a spoon.
5. 5Step 5: Scoop tablespoonfuls of the falafel mixture and form into patties (1/2 inch in thickness each). It helps to have wet hands as you form the patties.
6. 6Step 6: Fill a medium saucepan 3 inches up with oil. Heat the oil on medium-high until it bubbles softly. Carefully drop the falafel patties in the oil, let them fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or so until crispy and medium brown on the outside. Avoid crowding the falafel in the saucepan; fry them in batches if necessary.
7. 7Step 7: Place the fried falafel patties in a colander or plate lined with paper towels to drain.
8. 8Step 8: Serve falafel hot next to other small plates; or assemble the falafel patties in pita bread with tahini or hummus, arugula, tomato, and cucumbers. Enjoy!