Chef Ran Ben Ezra Shares Authentic Homemade Falafel Recipe

Ran Ben Ezra, a food blogger, has shared a traditional homemade falafel recipe that has been passed down in his family for years. The recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients without any pre-made mixes or shortcuts, resulting in golden, crispy falafel balls that are soft and airy inside with a classic homemade flavor. The falafel is ideal served in pita bread, on a plate, or alongside salads and tahini.

The recipe calls for 500 grams of Hadass chickpeas soaked overnight with a teaspoon of baking soda, then rinsed and drained. The chickpeas are ground with three onions, ten garlic cloves, a handful of parsley, and a handful of cilantro until smooth. After grinding, salt, two heaping tablespoons of cumin, 1.5 cups of club soda, a tablespoon of olive oil, two tablespoons of self-rising flour, and half a packet of baking powder are added. The mixture is refrigerated for at least two hours before shaping into uniform balls.

The falafel balls are fried in hot oil until golden on all sides, turning them to ensure even cooking. They are then drained on paper towels and served hot, recommended with tahini, chopped salad, pickles, and warm pita bread. This recipe emphasizes the importance of proper soaking, resting, and frying techniques to achieve the perfect falafel texture and taste.

Ben Ezra’s recipe highlights that enjoying authentic falafel at home is simple and rewarding, preserving the traditional flavors without needing to dine out.