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FalafelImage for illustration only
Dairy-freeFish-freeGluten-freeCooking With KidsContains eggs

Falafel

Cooking With Kids

Golden, crispy spheres crafted from premium chickpeas, infused with the deep aromas of cumin and coriander and the vibrant freshness of garden herbs. This dish offers a light, airy texture that pairs exquisitely with warm pita, chopped salad, and rich tahini, delivering an authentic and comforting Israeli culinary experience in every bite.

Prep
5 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
WhatsAppOriginal recipe

Answer first

What to know about Falafel

Homemade falafel, inspired by Israeli street stalls: crisp on the outside, tender within, fragrant with cumin and cilantro. Dairy-free and gluten-free, fun to make with kids, perfect for snacking, stuffing into pita, or serving as a starter.

Timing
10 min
Serves
4
Dietary notes
Dairy-free, Fish-free, Gluten-free, Cooking With Kids

⚠️Before cooking, check ingredient labels and cross-contact risk for your dietary needs.

This is not medical advice. For allergies or dietary restrictions, always confirm with your healthcare provider.

Instructions

Servings:4
  1. 1Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan, then fry the onion and garlic over a low heat for 5 mins until softened. Tip into a large mixing bowl with the chickpeas and spices, then mash together with a fork or potato masher until the chickpeas are totally broken down. Stir in the parsley or dried herbs, with seasoning to taste. Add the egg, then squish the mixture together with your hands.
  2. 2Mould the mix into 6 balls, then flatten into patties. Heat the remaining oil in the pan, then fry the falafels on a medium heat for 3 mins on each side, until golden brown and firm. Serve hot or cold with couscous, pitta bread or salad.

Nutrition

Calories
455
Protein
20.8g
Carbs
62.3g

Family cooking

Cooking With Kids

Simple ways children can join safely, with adult guidance.

EasyAge 4-12

Age 3-5

Small helper

  • Mash soft ingredients
  • Wash fruit and vegetables
A young child mixing ingredients in a bowl with adult supervision nearby

Age 6-8

Kitchen explorer

  • Stir a batter
  • Measure simple ingredients
A child whisking batter with measuring tools on a family kitchen counter

Chef tips

To make the falafel light and fluffy, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to the mixture just before frying. Let it rest in the fridge for ten minutes to develop the flavor and set the texture. For a healthy, low-fat version, bake the balls in a very hot oven with a light spray of olive oil. The kids will have a blast helping you roll the mixture into balls!

Culinary reasoning

Golden, crispy spheres crafted from premium chickpeas, infused with the deep aromas of cumin and coriander and the vibrant freshness of garden herbs. This dish offers a light, airy texture that pairs exquisitely with warm pita, chopped salad, and rich tahini, delivering an authentic and comforting Israeli culinary experience in every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Sunflower Oil
  • 1 chopped Onion
  • 1 clove peeled crushed Garlic
  • 400g Chickpeas
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • Handful Parsley
  • 1 beaten Egg

Nutrition

Calories
455
Protein
20.8g
Carbs
62.3g

Chef tips

To make the falafel light and fluffy, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to the mixture just before frying. Let it rest in the fridge for ten minutes to develop the flavor and set the texture. For a healthy, low-fat version, bake the balls in a very hot oven with a light spray of olive oil. The kids will have a blast helping you roll the mixture into balls!

Age 9+

Confident cook

  • Read the steps
  • Portion and shape
An older child reading a recipe while measuring ingredients independently

Adults only

Grown-up task

  • Use heat
  • Handle sharp tools
An adult safely handling a hot oven tray with oven mitts

Adult supervision required. Match activities to the child's age and abilities.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Following instructions
  • Fine motor skills
  • Counting
  • Teamwork

A good moment to remind kids not to share spoons, to wash hands, and to check ingredients with an adult.

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