Close-up shot of golden-brown falafel with vibrant turmeric hue, served in a pita with hummus and tahini drizzle

Falafel

falafel with turmeric

By Oliver Bonas

Published: 12 Mar 2025

These falafel are not your average falafel! I've added a generous dose of turmeric for a beautiful golden hue and an earthy flavor that takes these little patties to the next level. I first tasted turmeric falafel on a trip to Morocco, and I've been hooked ever since. The vibrant color is such a joyful thing on the plate, isn't it?
A plate of vibrant golden falafel, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon
Making falafel from scratch might seem daunting, but I promise you, it's easier than you think. The ingredients are simple, and the process is surprisingly straightforward. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as they fry is utterly divine. It's an experience that's almost as rewarding as eating the finished product (almost!).
Hands shaping falafel balls, highlighting the texture of the chickpea mixture

Required Equipments

  • Food processor or blender
  • Large bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Small bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Falafel-with-Turmeric

This recipe for turmeric falafel delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, with crispy exteriors and soft, flavorful interiors. It's a recipe that's both stunning and delicious, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 12 servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. 1. Soak the chickpeas: If using dried chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in plenty of water for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This is super important for a tender falafel! Don't skip this step!
  2. 2. Rinse and drain: Once soaked, drain the chickpeas completely. Give them a good rinse to remove any excess skins or debris. It sounds tedious, but trust me, it's worth it!
  3. 3. Blend the chickpeas: Add the soaked chickpeas to a food processor or blender. Add the chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a coarse paste. Don't over-blend; you want some texture left!
  4. 4. Form the falafel: Gently shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-inch in diameter. Wet your hands occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking. This part is kinda meditative, if you're into that sort of thing.
  5. 5. Heat the oil: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of the falafel mixture sizzles immediately when added.
  6. 6. Fry the falafel: Carefully place the falafel balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. 7. Serve and enjoy!: Serve the falafel immediately with your favorite toppings, such as hummus, tahini, pita bread, salads, or whatever you fancy. They're also great in wraps or as part of a larger mezze platter. Yum!

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of lemon juice.
  • If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water to help it bind.
  • Adjust the spices to your liking. Some folks like more cumin, others prefer more coriander. There's no wrong answer!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal

Protein: 8g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fiber: 10g

Calcium: 50mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The joy of cooking lies not just in the result, but in the journey of creating something delicious and nourishing.

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