Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to freeze falafel, cooked or uncooked? ›

You can freeze the falafel pre- or post-frying. Either way, you'll need to arrange them on a baking tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then pack into food bags and label.

The Falafel are sold frozen, and should be heated prior to eating. In a traditional oven or toaster oven, heat for 10-12 minutes at 425 degrees, or use an air fryer and heat at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Turns out that dried chickpeas are essential to good falafel. See, canned chickpeas have already been cooked. Starch molecules within them have already burst and released their sticky contents, much of which get washed away in the cooking liquid, leaving the remaining chickpeas with very little clinging power.

Baking soda — It may seem odd to add baking soda to a savory recipe, but it helps keeps the interior texture of the falafels fluffy.

Place cookie sheet in the freezer and allow falafel to freeze until slightly frozen, about an hour so. Remove cookie sheet from freezer and quickly place falafel balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. Place back into the freezer. Frozen uncooked falafel should last about 6 months in the freezer.

These Falafel, however, are baked in the oven and therefore a much healthier option! Can I freeze Falafel? Yes, especially these ones are super freezer friendly. Bake them, then let them cool off completely, transfer them into a ziplock bag and freeze up to 3 months.

Freeze Falafel Balls

Shape the falafel balls and place the individual portions in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. This allows them to freeze individually and prevents them from sticking together. Flash freeze.

Place Frozen In Single Layer On Ungreased Baking Sheet And Bake For 14 To 16 Minutes. Microwave: Arrange 4 To 6 Frozen Falafel Balls On Microwave Safe Plate. Microwave On High For 2 Minutes.

After removing the Falafel from the freezer, heat it in the oven on 425 for 10-12 minutes, with an option to broil for 3-5 minutes for an extra crunch.

What Is It? Aquafaba is the thick liquid that results from soaking or cooking legumes, such as chickpeas, in water for an extended period of time. It's the translucent viscous goop you probably rinse down the drain when you open a can of chickpeas.

Can you eat raw falafel? ›

As you know Falafel is made from soaked raw chickpeas, which is indigestible to the human body causing stomach pain, gas, and other adverse symptoms. Raw chickpeas have antinutrients and toxins that can harm your digestive system, from discomfort to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It's called aquafaba, and it's (basically) free! When we refer to aquafaba (as we often do in our cookbook on vegan cooking, Vegan for Everybody), we're talking about the liquid in a can of chickpeas. (We're not talking about the liquid in a can of any other beans.

Baking soda and powder: Baking soda breaks down and softens the chickpeas as they soak. Baking powder, mixed in just before baking, makes the falafel light and airy. Fresh herbs: The tender leaves of parsley, dill, and cilantro bring fresh, herbal flavor and color.

If the mixture is too wet, the falafel has a tendency to fall apart when being fried so please pat dry the ingredients before using them. If you find the mixture is too wet, simply add little more breadcrumbs. The falafel mixture after prepared can be shaped by hand or with a tool called an alb falafel (falafel mold).

Researchers have found that falafel has many health benefits. It is high in fibre as it contains vegetables, legumes (beans, chickpeas, or almonds), and olive oil, all of which can help people stay healthy and maintain an optimal weight while reducing their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure.

Place Frozen In Single Layer On Ungreased Baking Sheet And Bake For 14 To 16 Minutes. Microwave: Arrange 4 To 6 Frozen Falafel Balls On Microwave Safe Plate. Microwave On High For 2 Minutes.

How to store falafel. The raw minced mixture is sometimes allowed to rest to integrate the flavours and textures, ideally refrigerated. Use the uncooked mixture within a day: cooked, refrigerated falafel should be eaten within three days.

After removing the Falafel from the freezer, heat it in the oven on 425 for 10-12 minutes, with an option to broil for 3-5 minutes for an extra crunch.

To maintain the authentic taste and crispiness of homemade falafel, it should be stored in the fridge within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Use an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which can help retain texture and extend the shelf life up to 5 days.