If you have ever been to Arab Street in Singapore, you would have tasted world’s best Falafels at the restaurants lined up on the street showcasing beautiful Middle-Eastern culture. And when lip-smacking Arabic food is accompanied with belly dancing, life is pretty good! Falafels….I love them so much that I just can’t have them enough. I feel like visiting Arab street every other weekend primarily because of the lovely Persian, Israeli, Lebanese, Turkish and Arab cuisines that you will find out there. However, it is always a pleasure to make these at home. Guess what, home-made falafels definitely taste way better! On the account of being a hot family favorite, I have prepared falafel countless number of times and each time they turn out as perfect and just as delicious as they would be at some jazzy posh Arabic restaurant. But this time round, I decided to make them a tad bit healthier by adding shredded zucchinis!! This summer-squash family vegetable is a low-calorie highly nutritious crop full of dietary fibers. It is always a goody to add this lovely veggie into your everyday regular meals. They make your dish taste so much better.
When you’re trying to treat your non-vegetarian family with fresh healthy veg food, you make these zucchini falafels and you notice their vegetarian life has just gotten a little better!! That’s the magic lying within these lovely patties. These little zucchini and chickpea tikkis are aromatic and full of flavors. These act as a perfect substitute for meat in so many ways!! The goodness of this dish will convince meat-lovers that it’s perfectly okay to go without meat for a day. One bite of it and you will be hooked. All you will want to have are these zucchini falafel tikkis. Believe me, you can have these in so many different ways. Stuff them in a pita with salad and hummus and you are good to go. Or you might as well just throw them between buns along with some onions, tomatoes, tahini and there you have a delicious falafel burger / sandwich!! I am thinking of using up the leftovers next day in curry sauce to prepare a falafel curry. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy the recipe!!
Ingredients:
Chickpeas – 1 cup (soaked overnight)
Zucchini – 1 medium sized
Garlic cloves – 7-8
Onion – 1 large finely chopped
Coriander leaves / Parsley – 1 big bunch (finely chopped)
Spring onion greens – 1 bunch (finely chopped)
Green chillies – 2-3
Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Ground cumin – 1 tsp
Garam masala powder – 1/2 tsp
Flour – 1 tbsp
Salt – as per taste
Method:
Grate the zucchini, add a little salt and set it aside for 30 mins.
The zucchini will lose moisture.
Add the chickpeas to a food processor or blender.
Add the garlic, finely chopped onions, chopped coriander or parsley leaves, spring onion greens and pulse or grind to get a thick coarse mixture. Add a few drops of water if required.
Add the ground spices – red chilly powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt and green chillies. Grind again to get a roughly smooth mixture.
After pulsing a number of times and spooning the paste away from the walls of the blender, you will get a coarse mixture with the perfect consistency for falafel.
P.S: This will be much easier if you are using a food processor instead of a blender.
Squeeze out the moisture from the shredded zucchinis and add them into the chickpea mixture. Add some flour as a binding agent.
Mix this well and add some garam masala. Give it a good mix. Do a taste test to check the seasoning.
Heat some oil in a pan.
Carefully form patties out of the mixture and shallow fry.
Cook each side for at least 5 mins on a medium low flame. Make sure the patty is cooked from the inside and browned on both the sides.
Once done, lay them a out on kitchen paper towel to absorb the excess oil. There you have in the pic, the falafels had already started vanishing. Half of one of them is already gone!!
I served these hot with a simple Greek Yogurt-parsley dip.
In the evening I had these as falafel cheese sandwiches for dinner. They were absolutely delicious.
Enjoy these healthy and delicious Zucchini Falafel Tikkis with your family and trust me, you will give yourself a pat on the back!!
These falafels look yummy.
Since I am a huge fan of sesame, especially toasted, how do you think some toasted sesame seeds (or tahini sauce) would taste added to your recipe?
LikeLiked by 3 people
I usually serve home made tahini as a dipping sauce and condiment with falafel. They taste so good!! I was actually planning to make tahini too for today’s meal but was running late and instead got satisfied with the simple yogurt dip. I agree tahini goes excellent with this especially as a sauce in falafel pita 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never made homemade tahini. Recipe, please:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Toast the sesame seeds in a pan on stove top (low heat). Dont let them turn brown. They should remain white in color. As soon as you get an aroma take it off the flame. Let them cool down. Then add the toasted sesame seeds into a food processor. Add a pinch of salt. Add olive oil. Pulse and grind. Adjust the quantity of olive oil until you get a creamy consistency. Taste and check salt. Home made tahini sauce will be ready. You can store this in an air tight bottle inside the fridge for upto 1 month. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank You so much for the Tahini recipe👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!😊
LikeLike
They are looking so appetising ! Very nice recipe Mona,will try it soon 😃👍
LikeLiked by 4 people
Try korish. Khub bhalo lagbe khete😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure I will!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too good!! You’re a rockstar at International food too!! Crunchy i guess!!☺👍
LikeLiked by 2 people
Crunchy on outside..soft on the inside😀 Thanks so much Vivek😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another fantastic recipe from you. When food looks so good they taste amazing for sure. 🙂 Thank you for sharing these recipes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Amitav. My family loves falafel and these make a good excuse for us to visit Arab street time and again. But homemade falafel of course has its own charm. Nothing can beat its simplicity. Thank you so much😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome. 🙂 True, it’s incredible that you take so much effort to cook these dishes (of course, you love it), so everyone in the family is happy. And yes, nothing can beat simplicity, as you said.
Best wishes to all! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you friend😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Falafels looks really perfect.. very nice recipe Mona.. me and my husband, we both are falafel lovers 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Same here Monika😊 Can’t really love without them. Frequent indulgence with falafel is a norm in my family😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a lovely idea! Thanks for sharing 🙂 they look yummy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Linda. They are indeed gorgeous and delicious. We loved them. Thank you😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow… healthy and yummy combo… very nice😃
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks great and healthy!!Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Swati! Glad you like it😊
LikeLike
Looks very yummy
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Ruchi😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darun bepar.Notun take on falafel.Banate hobey.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hai di. Try koro. Khoob bhalo lagbe. 😊
LikeLike
Those look so delicious! I just bought some zucchini and am inspired to try these. Great post!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Vanessa. Zucchinis are just an amazing way to jazz up your dish to the next level. I am sure you will love these!! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is right up my alley! Yum!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you! Glad you like it😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice one Mona!! Healthy and delicious:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much Sumith!!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow these look fantastic and yummy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Kathryn😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
And you are Mona, right? Just want to make sure I get your name correct. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you got it right dearie😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
They look mouthwatering! What a creative way to use Zucchini:)
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you Divya. I totally agree with you😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very nice…..
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Steve😊 Glad you like these😀😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
These look delicious! I always enjoy finding new ways to use zucchini in the summer.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Ellie. Zucchinis can create magic in nearly any dish. I am glad you like it😊
LikeLike
They look super delicious…love the crispy texture.. great post dear 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you Rateka. These are a hit with my family. Indeed super delicious😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
OMG, they so very delicious, you just inspired me for my weekend cooking, thank you for sharing. I am one of your most devoted fans. Xoxo
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much Cornelia. You just made my day!! Let me know how they turn out for you😊
Hey Cornelia. Can you let me know how to follow your website? I clicked a number of times on the link corneliaweberphotography but somehow I don’t find the follow button. Do let me know. I would love to follow you back😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I will let you know. I have a new web site http://www.corneliaweber-photography.com
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. I will visit it soon 😊
LikeLike
I don’t see anywhere that you cooked the chickpeas. So you just soaked them? You don’t think it’s necessary to cook them to soften them? What a big difference if this is the case.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Right Karina. I haven’t precooked them. Just soaked them. Falafel is traditionally prepared with soaked chickpeas. Soaking them for at least 8 hours or overnight is enough for them to get cooked while frying. Hope you try them out!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mouth watering 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Sindhu☺
LikeLike
yummy tikkis…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Anu☺
LikeLike
I’m definitely going to have to try this one, but not too spicy. (my old stomach won’t take it, haha)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sure sir. Just omit the spices and you will have it just right. I hope they turn out well for you ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks so healthy and yummy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thañk you Archana☺
LikeLike
It’s brilliant
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much☺
LikeLike
Very nice recipe, Mona. The way, you describe a recipe with the mouth watering photos of foods in every step of cooking and its detail discussion, makes the recipe very easy to try once for anyone. I love this style of telling recipe and I must appreciate your endeavours behind these easy recipes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much Sayanti. You are kind😍 This just gives me some more motivation. Thanks a lot☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, dear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yummy!!!!!!!!
I shall ask my mom to try this out… 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Apeksha! Let me know how it turns out☺
LikeLike
बहुत खूब
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shukriya☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aapka Swagat hai Ma’am.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brilliant combo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you☺
LikeLike
These look so yummy! Thank you for sharing the recipe 🙂
Kate
http://www.seewhatkatiedidnext.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Thank you Katie! Glad you like it☺
LikeLike
This looks amazing! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Shubham and thanks for the follow. You have a lovely blog!!☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved every bit about them! 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true Shreya! We love them too☺ Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous! I adore falafels, but I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never tried making them from scratch before. I love the idea of adding in zucchini, too. I’ll bet these are really good. I would love to try out your recipe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Elle. These are really fun to make at home and super delicious too! I am sure you will love them☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love falafels ..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too!!😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woah! Delicious-looking! I’ll bet I could easily polish off that entire plate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! And thanks for the follow 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. Thanks for following my blog too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yum! I love falafel & Can’t wait to try these😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! Do let me know how you like it☺
LikeLike
OMG this is delicious Mona. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sumit! Glad you like it😀
LikeLike
Very well explained with detailed pictures…Looks so delicious….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Swapna☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! This looks amazingly yummie, Mona! And I also love Falafel very much and always do it myself, too 😉 P.S. So sorry for not catching up with your blog lately!!! Try my best to do so! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sarah for your lovely kind words. Its always a pleasure having you read and appreciate my recipes. I hope your work life is going well. Much love, Mona😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
You´re very welcome, Mona!!! 🙂 And the pleasure really is all mine! Your lovely writing and beautiful pictures are so inspiring! Always want to cook straight away when I read your post, or better still, hop over to your kitchen and watch you doing it!! 😉
So far everything is fine work wise, thank you! 🙂 Still a bit nervous and excited though but this will pass I´m sure 😉 Have a lovely week, my dear friend! xxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice to know all’s well! All the best with your Sarah😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mona! 🙂 And to you!!! Much love, Sarah 🙂 xxxxx ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will be trying them for SURE! I love falafels and I have been looking for a good recipe for ages. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Marylin! Let me know how you like them 🙂
LikeLike
Yeah, Arab street has the best Lebanese food in SG, Your falafel looks so healthy and appetising, 😀 would try your recipe next time I make it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks dear. Let’s plan for Arab street sometime soon. It will be fun😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely blog to follow.. great pictures with amazing recipes.. thanks for making it easier for me to understand 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for visiting and your kind words. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome dear! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this recipe… 😊 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much hon! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
tomorrow in my falafel dinner plan first zucchini will I eat and make your style without chili
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope it turns out well! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
danke ihnen sehr.
LikeLiked by 1 person