Introduction
Imagine this: it’s been one of those days where your brain clocked out early, and the idea of cooking feels about as appealing as a root canal.
Enter your new best friend—lemon & coriander falafel. These little golden discs of joy are here to rescue your taste buds and your evening, all while keeping things delightfully vegan and fuss-free.
Crispy edges, a burst of zesty zing, and a fresh herb kick that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration in your mouth. Trust me, your plant-powered palate will thank you—plus, they’re the kind of dish that makes you look way more culinary-savvy than you actually are.
Ingredients
- 1 X 400g (14 oz.) Tin Drained Chickpeas
- 6 cloves crushed garlic (pungent little powerhouses)
- 1 tbsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp ground pepper
- 50g (1/3 cup) gluten-free flour
- 1 x lemon zest & juice (zingy citrus kick)
- 60g (1 1/4 cup) chopped coriander (cilantro)
- 1 x finely chopped red onion
These ingredients are the dream team for a falafel that’s anything but basic! With lemon and coriander bringing the fresh vibes and chickpeas doing their protein-packed thing, even meat-lovers might find themselves rethinking dinner. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone’s invited to this flavor party!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s plunge into making these zesty Lemon & Coriander Falafels that are basically little bites of plant-powered joy.
Start by gently sweating your finely chopped red onion and six cloves of crushed garlic in a splash of olive oil. Think of this as coaxing out their flavors — kind of like how you warm up before a good dance party. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and ground pepper to keep things interesting.
Once they’re soft and smelling amazing, take the pan off the heat and toss in a whopping 60 grams (that’s about 1 1/4 cups) of fresh chopped coriander. This herb is the superstar here, bringing that lively, fresh zing that pairs perfectly with lemon.
Now, grab your drained tin of chickpeas (400 grams or 14 ounces) and plop them right into the pan. Here’s where you get to channel your inner mashing champion — use the bottom of a ladle or a potato masher to smoosh those chickpeas until they’re nicely crushed but not turned into mush. You want some texture, so don’t go overboard!
Then, sprinkle in the lemon zest and juice from one lemon — this is where the zesty magic happens. Follow that up with 50 grams (about 1/3 cup) of gluten-free flour to help everything stick together better than your favorite playlist. Give it all a good mix and taste to see if it needs a pinch more salt or pepper.
Once your mixture feels just right, divide it into five balls and gently flatten them into cute little patties. Heat a pan with a bit of oil over medium heat and shallow fry those falafels. Keep an eye on them and flip once you see that golden caramelized crust forming — that’s your cue to know they’re ready to rock.
Fry until both sides are beautifully caramelized like a plant-based dream come true. Serve these bad boys up with your favorite vegan sauce, and voila! You’ve got yourself a falafel that’s bursting with lemony, herby goodness and perfect for any plant-based feast. Easy, tasty, and totally worth the mash session.
Bonus Tips
- Feeling fancy? Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika for a little smoky swagger in every bite.
- No shallow fryer? No problem—bake these zesty discs at 400°F until golden and proud.
- Pro tip: double the coriander and call it a love affair, because you can never have too much green goodness.
Why You’ll Love It
This falafel is like a flavor party in your mouth that also happens to be quick enough to whip up before your vegan burger hits the grill. It’s zesty, fresh, and just the right amount of herbaceous—like cilantro took a joyful leap into a lemony pool. Whether you’re a falafel newbie or a chickpea champion, this recipe plays nice with your kitchen skills and your taste buds. Plus, it’s the kind of plant-based magic that makes you forget you’re eating healthy (shh, we won’t tell).
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values.
Calories: 180
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 7 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
