Vegan Falafel (Gluten-free)

Step 1

If you are using dried chickpeas, soak them in cold water for at least 3 hours, or overnight. Drain and rinse them, and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2

If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them, and pat them with a paper towel, making sure they are as dry as possible.

Step 3

Transfer the chickpeas to a blender or food processor together with the onion, cilantro, garlic, sesame seeds, buckwheat flour, rice flour, turmeric, cumin, dried basil, salt, smoked paprika, olive oil, and lemon juice. Set aside 1/4 cup of the sesame seeds to coat the falafel. Blend on a low setting for a few seconds, until mostly smooth, but with a bit of texture left.

Step 4

Scoop out around 2-3 tbsp of the mixture per falafel and shape them using your hands. If they stick, dip your hands in a little bit of flour before shaping. Dip the falafel in the sesame seeds on both sides and lay them out on a flat surface.

Step 5

To fry: To make fried falafel, heat a thin layer of olive oil or avocado oil in a large flat pan or skillet. Add the falafel to the pan, working in batches if necessary - it's important not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for around 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and fry for 2 minutes more, until crispy and browned.

Step 6

To bake: If you want to make baked falafel, preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (350F) before blending. Lay out the falafel on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, flipping half way through.