If you are looking for special Ramadan recipes, then these air-fried beetroot falafel might intrigue you. They are much healthier thanks to being air-fried and are earthy and slightly sweet because of the beetroot, and packs protein courtesy of the chickpeas. You get a falafel that is not only delicious but striking to look at. It is said to have originated in Egypt, with its spread in Lebanese, Palestinian, and Israeli cuisine. Falafel are a popular Middle Eastern street food and was born at a time when meat was scarce. In the Middle East, falfels are a part of the Ramadan spread, crucial for Arabs to break their fast.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
1 cupChickpeas (soaked overnight)
1 mediumRaw beetroot (peeled and chopped)
½ cup Fresh parsley
½ cupFresh coriander
1 small Onion (chopped)
3-4Garlic cloves
1 teaspoon Cumin powder
1 teaspoonCoriander powder
1 teaspoonSalt
½ teaspoonBlack pepper
½ teaspoonBaking powder
2-3 tablespoonsOat flour or chickpea flour
for air fryingCooking oil spray
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Soak chickpeas overnight
Rinse the chickpeas and soak them in a large bowl. Cover with several inches of water, as they will expand significantly. Soak overnight or for at least 8-10 hours. Drain well before using.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Prepare and blend ingredients
Peel and roughly chop raw beetroot into chunks. Add drained chickpeas, beetroot, parsley, coriander, onion, garlic, and all spices to a food processor. Run until the mixture is mostly smooth but still has some chunks. The mixture should hold when pressed.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Adjust the consistency
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up. If the mixture feels too wet or doesn't hold, add oat flour or chickpea flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it binds properly. Mix in baking powder just before shaping.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Shape the falafel
Using wet hands to prevent sticking, scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and form into balls or flatten into thick patties. Make them uniform in size. You should get about 18-20 falafel.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C. Line the basket with parchment paper or spray it with oil to prevent sticking.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Air fry the falafel
Arrange the falafel in a single layer in the air fryer basket without stacking. Spray lightly with cooking oil. Air fry at 190°C for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 6-7 minute mark and spraying the other side. Cook until golden brown and crispy.
Description - Step 7
Step 7: Serve hot
Remove from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Serve immediately in warm pita pockets with tahini sauce, fresh vegetables, pickles, and lemon wedges. Or enjoy as part of a mezze platter.
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Middle Eastern
Intermediate
Snacks
