{"id":"recipe_943eea417b","slug":"traditional-falafel","title":"Traditional Falafel","description":"Crispy, golden-brown Mediterranean chickpea fritters bursting with fresh herbs and warm spices. Perfect in pita bread or on a fresh salad platter.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":40,"activeMinutes":30},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight","name":"Chickpeas","quantity":400,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"2","usUnit":"cup","form":"soaked","notes":"must be dried, not canned","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"1 cup fresh parsley, chopped","name":"Chopped Parsley","quantity":60,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1","usUnit":"cup","form":"chopped","notes":"flat-leaf or curly","group":"herbs","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped","name":"Cilantro","quantity":60,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1","usUnit":"cup","form":"chopped","notes":"stems and leaves","group":"herbs","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 small onion, roughly chopped","name":"Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"roughly chopped","notes":"small white or yellow onion","group":"aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"4 garlic cloves","name":"Garlic","quantity":4,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":4,"usUnit":"clove","form":"whole","notes":"","group":"aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 tbsp ground cumin","name":"Cumin","quantity":6,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"1 tsp ground coriander","name":"Coriander","quantity":2,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"1 tsp salt","name":"Salt","quantity":5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"fine","notes":"to taste","group":"spices","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"1/4 tsp cayenne pepper","name":"Cayenne Pepper","quantity":0.5,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/4","usUnit":"tsp","form":"ground","notes":"optional for heat","group":"spices","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-10","original":"1/2 tsp baking soda","name":"Baking Soda","quantity":3,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"tsp","form":"powder","notes":"added just before frying for fluffiness","group":"leavening","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-11","original":"Vegetable oil for frying","name":"Vegetable Oil","quantity":1,"unit":"l","usQuantity":"1.1","usUnit":"qt","form":"liquid","notes":"neutral high-heat oil","group":"cooking_fat","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas well.","group":"Preparation","title":"Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas well","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until the mixture reaches the consistency of coarse meal. Do not over-process into a smooth paste.","group":"Mixing","title":"Combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Mixing"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the cumin, coriander, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.","group":"Seasoning","title":"Transfer the mixture","timerMinutes":30,"sourceTitle":"Seasoning"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Just before frying, stir in the baking soda. This reacts to create a lighter, fluffier texture inside the falafel.","group":"Final Prep","title":"Just before frying","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Final Prep"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (177°C). Form the chickpea mixture into balls or small patties, about 1 tablespoon each.","group":"Frying","title":"Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Frying"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Carefully drop the falafel into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until they are deep golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.","group":"Frying","title":"Carefully drop the falafel","timerMinutes":4,"sourceTitle":"Frying"}],"notes":"Always use dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight. Canned chickpeas will result in a mushy texture that falls apart during frying. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the falafel from absorbing too much oil.","cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Middle Eastern","Levantine"]},"course":["main","appetizer"],"cookingMethod":["fry"],"equipment":["food processor","deep frying pot","paper towels","slotted spoon"],"diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","high_protein","mediterranean"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":20,"unit":"piece","note":"Approximately 20-24 falafel balls"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The falafel mixture (without baking soda) can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store cooked falafel in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_943eea417b%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=dc664f22-2930-47e3-9700-4ca9d132ab3f","imageAlt":"Traditional Falafel — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["healthy","protein","vegan","middle eastern","chickpeas","herbs"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Traditional Falafel","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T01:33:30.216Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T01:33:30.216Z","related":[{"id":"ac_l_ezme_d064be0373","slug":"acili-ezme","title":"Acılı Ezme","description":"A classic Turkish spicy vegetable salad and condiment featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, and onions, balanced with the tang of pomegranate molasses and aromatic herbs.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Turkish"]},"course":["sauce","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fac_l_ezme_d064be0373%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=ac6fc624-4435-4cfa-9991-d45441036707","imageAlt":"Acılı Ezme — recipe cover","tags":["spicy","dip","vegetable","healthy","turkish","mezze"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":14,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_2f05621352","slug":"bouyiourdi-greek-baked-feta","title":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta)","description":"A traditional Greek meze featuring salty feta cheese baked until melted with juicy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and fragrant extra virgin olive oil.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_2f05621352%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=fd6db74e-cfd9-46b5-aa96-6e0e76c26c9a","imageAlt":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta) — recipe cover","tags":["feta","baked cheese","greek meze","spicy","vegetarian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_66184712aa","slug":"creamy-homemade-hummus","title":"Creamy Homemade Hummus","description":"A silky, rich, and authentic Mediterranean chickpea dip blended with nutty tahini, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for dipping or as a spread.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Levantine","Middle Eastern"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","high_protein","mediterranean","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_66184712aa%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=648d20cf-84fe-4052-b8d8-79fced2e9554","imageAlt":"Creamy Homemade Hummus — recipe cover","tags":["hummus","chickpeas","vegan","healthy","mediterranean","dip","high protein","gluten free"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5}]}