Vegan Falafel Fritters

Falafels are chickpea fritters from the Middle East often served in wraps with hummus or tahini* or served in a tomato sauce like meatballs. Chickpeas are also known as Garbanzo beans. For your local fix try ‘Moorish’ on Lower Goat Lane or ‘Falafel and Friends’ on the market –both vegan.

Ingredients

1 tin / approx. 225 g chickpeas* – drained*** ***reserving 1 tablespoon of the water 2 cloves garlic 1 onion – chopped 2 tablespoons parsley 2 tablespoons leaf coriander 1 heaped teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 30 g natural breadcrumbs ¼ teaspoon Xanthian Gum

Seasoning

Method

 Process the chickpeas, reserved water, garlic, onion and herbs to make a pulsed / mashed mix.  Spoon in to a bowl and then mix in the rest of the ingredients to make a smooth soft mix, season well.  With damp hands mold in to 12 - 14 round balls and then slightly squash each one to make a UFO shaped falafel.  Deep-fry in hot oil setting 8 / 180*c until golden brown.  Serve 3 – 4 falafel in a warm pitta bread with salad and hummus.

 Variations – Make 4 burger patties with the same mix, pan-fry in a little olive oil until golden on both sides and serve in wholemeal baps with pickles.

Recipe by Zena Leech-Calton—Zena is a Cookery Tutor, Food Influencer and hosts walking food tours in Norwich with over 15 years of experience. IG@love_norwich_food, UTube – @Dyslexic Chef, TikTok @Love Norfolk Food