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Quick and Easy Instant Pot Falafel Recipe

Falafel is a delightful Middle Eastern dish that has gained immense popularity worldwide for its delicious flavour and satisfying texture. Typically made with chickpeas, herbs, and spices, falafel can be served in a variety of ways, including in wraps, salads, or simply as a snack. In this article, we’ll explore a quick and easy way to prepare falafel using the Instant Pot, which not only saves time but ensures perfect, fluffy results.

Why Choose Instant Pot Falafel?

The Instant Pot revolutionises how we cook, offering a convenient and efficient way to prepare meals. By using the pressure cooking function, you can soak and cook dried chickpeas in under an hour, making it an ideal option for those who may not always have time to soak chickpeas overnight. This recipe results in flavour-packed, homemade falafel that can be made in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Ingredients

For this Instant Pot falafel recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 250g dried chickpeas (soaked for at least 8 hours or overnight)
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small bunch fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 small bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp flour (you can use chickpea flour or plain flour)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

1. Soak the Chickpeas: Ideally, start by soaking the dried chickpeas in a large bowl of water for at least 8 hours or overnight. This not only softens them but also improves digestibility.

2. Cook the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Place them in the Instant Pot with enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Seal the lid and set the pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for approximately 12 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 10 minutes before opening the valve to release any remaining pressure.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

1. Drain the Cooked Chickpeas: Once cooked, drain the chickpeas and let them cool slightly.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, flour, and salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, grainy texture. Be careful not to over-blend; you want to maintain some texture for the falafel.

Step 3: Form the Falafel

1. Shape the Mixture: Using your hands, form the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. You can place them on a plate lined with parchment paper as you shape them.

Step 4: Cook the Falafel

1. Frying Options: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the falafel balls, frying them in batches until golden and crispy all over, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2. Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier alternative, preheat an oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray the falafel with oil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

Plate your perfectly cooked falafel and serve with a side of tahini sauce, tzatziki, or a fresh salad. They also make a fantastic filling for wraps or pitas alongside your favourite toppings such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickles.

Conclusion

Making falafel at home has never been easier, thanks to the Instant Pot. This quick and easy recipe will not only satisfy your cravings but also impress family and friends with its vibrant flavours and textures. Plus, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of making a delightful dish from scratch in record time! Bon appétit!

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