What To Know
- Use falafel as a patty in a sandwich with your choice of bread, toppings, and condiments.
- Enjoy falafel as a healthy and satisfying snack on its own or with a dipping sauce.
- Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a flavorful dinner, make-ahead falafel has got you covered.
Meal prep can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time or looking for healthy, convenient options. One dish that fits perfectly into this category is make-ahead falafel. These crispy, flavorful balls of chickpeas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to prepare and store make-ahead falafel, ensuring they’re always ready when you need them.
Benefits of Make-Ahead Falafel
- Time-saving: Prepare a batch of falafel on the weekend and have them ready to go throughout the week.
- Convenience: They’re perfect for quick meals, snacks, or as a side dish.
- Healthy: Falafel is a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Versatile: Enjoy them in wraps, salads, sandwiches, or as a dipping appetizer.
Ingredients for Make-Ahead Falafel
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions for Make-Ahead Falafel
1. Combine: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Process until a coarse paste forms.
2. Add flour: Stir in the flour and mix until just combined.
3. Form balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Freeze (optional): If desired, place the falafel balls on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
5. Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the falafel balls for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Store: Let the falafel cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat Make-Ahead Falafel
- Microwave: Microwave the falafel for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel in the air fryer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Make-Ahead Falafel
Make-ahead falafel can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Wraps: Fill a whole-wheat wrap with falafel, hummus, vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
- Salads: Add falafel to your favorite salad for a protein boost.
- Sandwiches: Use falafel as a patty in a sandwich with your choice of bread, toppings, and condiments.
- Appetizers: Serve falafel with a dipping sauce, such as hummus, tzatziki, or tahini.
Freezing Make-Ahead Falafel
If you want to make a larger batch of falafel and freeze them for later use, follow these steps:
1. Prepare: Follow the instructions above to make the falafel mixture.
2. Form balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
3. Freeze: Place the falafel balls on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
4. Transfer: Transfer the frozen falafel balls to an airtight freezer-safe container.
5. Storage: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Defrosting Make-Ahead Falafel
To defrost make-ahead falafel, remove the desired number of balls from the freezer and place them on a plate. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for several hours. Once defrosted, reheat them using one of the methods described above.
Meal Planning with Make-Ahead Falafel
Make-ahead falafel is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a variety of meal plans. Here are some ideas:
- Breakfast: Add falafel to your morning omelet or scramble.
- Lunch: Pack falafel in wraps or salads for a quick and easy lunch.
- Dinner: Serve falafel as a main course with a side of rice, vegetables, or hummus.
- Snacks: Enjoy falafel as a healthy and satisfying snack on its own or with a dipping sauce.
Final Note: Make-Ahead Falafel for a Hassle-Free Lifestyle
Make-ahead falafel is a game-changer for busy individuals and meal planners alike. By preparing a batch ahead of time, you’ll have a convenient, healthy, and versatile meal option ready whenever you need it. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a flavorful dinner, make-ahead falafel has got you covered. So, give this time-saving and delicious recipe a try, and enjoy the convenience and flexibility it brings to your mealtime routine.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: How long can I store make-ahead falafel in the refrigerator?
A: Make-ahead falafel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze make-ahead falafel?
A: Yes, you can freeze make-ahead falafel for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I reheat frozen make-ahead falafel?
A: To reheat frozen make-ahead falafel, remove the desired number of balls from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or at room temperature for several hours. Once defrosted, reheat them using one of the methods described above.
Q: What is a good dipping sauce for make-ahead falafel?
A: Hummus, tzatziki, and tahini sauce are all excellent dipping sauces for make-ahead falafel.
Q: Can I make make-ahead falafel without a food processor?
A: Yes, you can make make-ahead falafel without a food processor. Simply mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until they are broken down.
