Last Updated on October 25, 2023
One of the most popular Mediterranean dishes, Cava Falafel is a delicious and nutritious dish that is enjoyed and loved by people all over the world. It is a vegan dish made with chickpeas, spices and herbs, and is served with various accompaniments and sauces.
This dish is easy to make and can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a great choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a fancy dinner, this recipe will please everyone’s palate!
What is Cava Falafel?
Cava Falafel is a vegan dish made with chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is commonly served with pita bread, hummus, and other accompaniments.
chickpeas are mashed and mixed with herbs and spices to form a dough-like mixture that is then rolled into balls and fried until crispy.
The result is a delicious and nutritious dish that is bursting with flavor and nutrition.
What Does it Taste Like?
Cava Falafel has a unique flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. The chickpeas provide a mild, nutty flavor while the herbs and spices add a hint of sweetness and a variety of aromatic notes.
The result is a flavor-packed dish that is sure to please any palate.
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Ingredients
Cooked chickpeas: The main ingredient in this recipe, cooked chickpeas provide a creamy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
Onion and garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth of flavor to the falafel.
Baking powder: This helps the falafel balls become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside.
Fresh herbs: A combination of parsley and cilantro adds freshness and a burst of flavor to the dish.
All-purpose flour: This acts as a binding agent and helps to hold the falafel balls together.
Spices: Cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper add warmth and complexity to the dish.
Olive oil: This is used for frying the falafel balls, giving them a crispy exterior.
Optional Additions
Fresh mint leaves: This adds a refreshing and aromatic element to the dish.
Lemon zest: Adding lemon zest adds a tangy and citrusy flavor to the falafel balls.
Cayenne pepper: For those who like some heat, cayenne pepper can be added for a spicy kick.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients:
Rinse and drain the cooked chickpeas. Roughly chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out all other ingredients as well.
Step 2: Process the Ingredients:
In a food processor, pulse together the chickpeas, onion, garlic, baking powder, parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until a coarse mixture forms.
Step 3: Let the Mixture Rest:
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will help the falafel balls hold their shape better when frying.
Step 4: Optional Additions:
At this point, you can add any of the optional ingredients listed above to add more flavor to the falafel balls.
Step 5: Heat Oil:
In a deep saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 6: Form the Falafel Balls:
While the oil is heating up, form the chickpea mixture into small balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
Step 7: Fry the Falafel Balls:
Carefully place the falafel balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Step 8: Drain Excess Oil:
Once done, transfer the fried falafel balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the hot falafel balls with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and your choice of toppings. Enjoy!
Tips
• To ensure the falafel balls are cooked evenly, make sure they are all the same size.
• For a crispier texture, fry the falafel in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• For a healthier option, you can bake the falafel balls in the oven instead of frying them.
• If the falafel dough is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water to it.
• To give the falafel an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Cava Falafel (1 ball) contains:
What to Serve with Cava Falafel?
• Pita bread
• Hummus
• Tahini
• Greek yogurt
• Cucumber slices
• Diced tomatoes
• Olives
• Feta cheese
• Pickled vegetables
How to Store Leftover Cava Falafel?
Leftover falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, place the falafel in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Cava Falafel?
• Black beans
• White beans
• Lentils
• Kidney beans
• Quinoa
• Edamame
• Tofu
• Mushrooms
• Nutritional yeast
Equipment
- food processor
- parchment paper
- deep saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cups of cooked chickpeas
- 1 roughly chopped small onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper as per taste
- Olive oil for frying
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, onion, garlic, baking powder, parsley, cilantro, flour, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper until a coarse mixture forms.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Optional: Add in any of the additional ingredients listed above.
- In a deep saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- While the oil is heating up, form the chickpea mixture into small balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
- Carefully place the falafel balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with pita bread, hummus, tahini sauce, and your choice of toppings such as tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, and onions.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cava falafel?
Yes, you can freeze cava falafel. To freeze, place the cooled falafel balls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the falafel balls are frozen. Once frozen, transfer the falafel to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How long does cava falafel last in the refrigerator?
Cava falafel will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
What other herbs can I use in cava falafel?
Other herbs that can be used in cava falafel include dill, thyme, oregano, and basil.
Can I make cava falafel without flour?
Yes, you can make cava falafel without flour. Simply omit the flour from the recipe and use a few tablespoons of water to help bind the dough together.
Is cava falafel healthy?
Yes, cava falafel is a very healthy dish. It is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.
Can I bake cava falafel?
Yes, you can bake cava falafel. Preheat the oven to 400°F and arrange the falafel balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Conclusion
Cava Falafel is a delicious and nutritious vegan dish made with chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It is a popular Middle Eastern dish that is easy to make and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Whether it’s a quick lunch or a fancy dinner, this recipe will please everyone’s palate! With its unique flavor and nutrition-packed ingredients, it’s a great choice for any occasion.