Adventures in Bulk Food: Falafel Mix
Today we're getting a little adventurous in the bulk foods aisle and making falafel!
If you've never had them, falafel are crispy, savory balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans and herbs. They're a popular street food across the Middle East, and with a bag of bulk falafel mix, they're surprisingly easy to make at home.
I picked up falafel mix from the bulk bins at WinCo Foods. Bulk mixes are a cheap way to try a new food without buying a whole box of something you might not love.
Ingredients
- 1⅔ cups falafel mix
- 1¼ cups water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Check your bin's label. Ratios can vary slightly by brand.
Directions
- Hydrate. Stir the mix and water together and let it stand for 15 minutes to absorb the water.
- Heat the oil. Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and heat to 375°F.
- Shape. While the oil heats, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Fry. Carefully add the balls to the hot oil and cook about 3 minutes, turning halfway with tongs, until golden brown all over. Drain on paper towels.
Prefer not to fry?
Flatten the balls slightly into patties, brush with olive oil, and broil or air-fry a few minutes per side until crisp.
How to Serve Falafel
- Stuffed in a pita with tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and tahini sauce
- Over a salad or grain bowl with hummus
- With tzatziki for dipping
- Or just plain, which is how I ate most of mine!
This post is part of our Adventures in Bulk Foods series. Have you made falafel at home?
