National Dish United Arab Emirates: Falafel (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Falafel, the crisp little chickpea patties that have become a much-loved staple across the United Arab Emirates. Golden and crunchy on the outside, soft and herby within, these vegan morsels are packed with protein and fragrant with cumin and coriander. Whether you serve them as a snack, a starter or the heart of a generous mezze spread, falafel bring the flavours of the Middle East straight to your table.
About Falafel
Falafel are savoury, crunchy chickpea balls that trace their origins to the Middle East and have since become a firm favourite in the United Arab Emirates. These little bites are not only vegan but also rich in protein and fibre, making them a wholesome snack. Preparing falafel is straightforward and leaves plenty of room to experiment with different spices and ingredients. Enjoyed as a snack, a starter or a main course, falafel bring a taste of the Orient right onto your plate.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200g dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2–3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- A handful of fresh parsley or coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for falafel are usually easy to find in most supermarkets or at your local market. Be sure to buy dried chickpeas, which need to soak in water overnight to reach the ideal consistency — canned ones simply won’t hold together. Fresh herbs such as parsley and coriander are essential for the flavour and freshness of the dish. It is also worth keeping spices like cumin and ground coriander in your store cupboard to achieve that unmistakable taste.
Preparing the dish
Preparation is a crucial stage for getting the best results from your falafel. First, soak the chickpeas in water for at least 24 hours to soften them. Once soaked, drain them well and blend with the other ingredients until you have a homogeneous paste. This paste can then be left to rest in the fridge, which intensifies the aromas and firms up the mixture, making the balls far easier to shape.
Step-by-step instructions
- Blend the chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs and spices in a food processor until you have a coarse mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- With damp hands, shape small balls and set them on a tray.
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry the falafel balls until golden brown.
- Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Falafel are naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, since the main ingredient is chickpeas. For extra peace of mind, do check that all your other spices and ingredients contain no hidden gluten. Instead of ordinary frying oil, you can also use rapeseed or sunflower oil for a lighter, wholesome way of frying. That way you can enjoy falafel with complete confidence, whatever your dietary needs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Falafel are ideal for vegans and vegetarians, as they contain no animal products while still being high in protein. You can also work them into a whole range of dishes to add extra nutrients. Serve the falafel with a delicious tahini dip or tuck them into a salad to liven up your meal — much as you would alongside a bowl of Hummus. Pairing falafel with grilled vegetables is another excellent way to add even more flavour and goodness.
More tips and tricks
For crispier falafel, it helps to keep the balls on the small side rather than shaping them too large. Make sure the oil is brought up to the right temperature before you add the falafel — it should be properly hot first. Another important tip is to always drain the falafel on kitchen paper after frying to remove any excess oil. If you prefer, you can also bake the falafel in the oven for a lighter result.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The falafel recipe adapts beautifully to your own taste. Add diced chilli, for example, if you like a bit more heat, or experiment with different herbs such as mint or dill. The spices, too, can be varied entirely to suit your preference. An interesting variation is beetroot falafel, in which some of the chickpeas are replaced with cooked beetroot — striking to look at and wonderfully flavourful.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no chickpeas to hand, you can also use black beans or even lentils as an alternative source of protein — the same pulses that shine in a bowl of Shorbat Adas. For a gluten-free base, you might swap bread for sweet potato mash. Tahini can be replaced with almond butter or pistachio paste to create intriguing new flavours. Substitutions like these let you add a personal touch without straying from a plant-based foundation.
Drink pairing ideas
Refreshing drinks that complement the bold flavours of falafel work especially well. Mint tea is one of the best choices for bringing a hint of the Orient to your meal. Alternatively, serve a blend of lemon and lime juice with sparkling water to underline the freshness of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a pomegranate-based drink makes an interesting flavour alternative.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful presentation can lift the enjoyment of your falafel enormously. Serve the balls on a handsome plate, garnished with fresh herbs and a colourful salad — a Fattoush works beautifully here. Use small bowls for dips such as tahini or yoghurt to make the dish more inviting. Lay the falafel on a bed of salad leaves for a fresh, colourful look, and add a variety of vegetables to brighten the plate.
A bit of history
The origins of falafel are not known for certain, though many believe they came from Egypt and spread across the region over the years. In recent decades falafel have become especially popular in the Western world, offering a delicious and healthy alternative to conventional fast food. The dish is a symbol of Arab culture and is served in countless variations worldwide. Many also regard falafel as street food, since they are so easy to prepare and enjoy — a hallmark of hearty Emirati cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Falafel
Falafel are not only delicious but also a wholesome dish that enjoys great popularity in vegan and vegetarian cooking. Thanks to their simple preparation and endless scope for adaptation, countless variations are open to you. Enjoy them tucked into warm flatbread, as part of a fresh salad, or on their own with your favourite dips. Let the delicious aromas of the Orient work their magic and bring a little wanderlust straight into your kitchen!
