Crispy Falafel Recipe: Tori Avey’s Provençal Delight

falafel recipe tori avey

I’ve perfected Tori Avey’s Provençal falafel recipe, combining traditional flavors with modern simplicity. ✨ This crispy, flavorful street food favorite is now easily made at home. The secret lies in the blend of aromatic spices and fresh herbs.

The process begins with chickpeas, onions, and garlic, all blended with Mediterranean spices. I shape the mixture into patties, coat them lightly, and fry until golden. The result is crispy on the outside and tender within.

Serve in pita with tzatziki sauce, or enjoy as an appetizer. Let’s create this authentic Israeli-inspired delight together! Crispy, aromatic, and utterly delicious, this falafel will become a new favorite.

Ingredients for falafel recipe tori avey

These simple ingredients come together to make Tori Avey’s authentic falafel recipe.



Ingredient Amount Notes
Chickpeas 🌽 1 cup Drained, rinsed, canned
Onion 🧅 1 whole Chopped, fresh
Garlic Cloves 🧄 4 cloves Minced, fresh
Fresh Parsley 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, fresh
Fresh Cilantro 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, fresh
Ground Cumin 🌶️ 1 tsp Toasted for depth
Coriander 🌿 1 tsp Ground, high quality
Cayenne Pepper 🔥 ¼ tsp Adjust for heat
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Kosher or sea salt
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 ¼ cup For coating
Vegetable Oil 🫒 1 cup For frying

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Find chickpeas at any grocery store. For the best flavor, choose fresh parsley and cilantro from the produce section. Penzeys or bulk bins offer high-quality spices. Look for kosher salt for better texture and flavor.

No fresh herbs? Use dried herbs at one-third the amount. For a gluten-free coating, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch. Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired heat level. You can bake instead of fry for a healthier version.

Store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze uncooked patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until crispy.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Falafel

Follow my detailed guide to create authentic, crispy falafel just like Tori Avey’s Provençal recipe.

👨‍🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Chickpea Mixture

Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly, then transfer them to a food processor with the chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and chopped cilantro. Process the mixture until it’s coarsely chopped – you want some texture remaining, not a smooth puree. I like to stop and scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything gets evenly processed.

The mixture should be well combined but still retain some chunkiness. This texture is crucial for creating that perfect falafel bite. You’ll notice the fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and aroma – a hallmark of Tori Avey’s recipe.

👨‍🍳 Step 2: Season and Bind the Mixture

Add the toasted ground cumin, high-quality ground coriander, cayenne pepper (adjusted to your desired heat level), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the chickpea mixture. Process for another 10-15 seconds until the spices are evenly distributed. Then, transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the all-purpose flour to help bind everything together.

The spice blend is where Tori Avey’s Provençal influence shines through – the toasted cumin adds a deep, earthy flavor that elevates the entire dish. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before proceeding.

🔥 Step 3: Form and Fry the Falafel

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F. While the oil is heating, use your hands to shape the chickpea mixture into small patties or balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 12-15 falafel.

Once the oil reaches 375°F, carefully add a few falafel to the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pan) and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining falafel.

⏰ Step 4: Serve Immediately

Serve the crispy falafel hot with your favorite accompaniments – traditional options include tahini sauce, hummus, or a simple salad. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender interior is best appreciated when served immediately. If you’re preparing for a crowd, you can keep them warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes without losing their crispiness.

The key to maintaining that perfect crispiness is to serve immediately after frying. If you notice the falafel starting to lose their crunch, simply give them a quick reheat in the oven to restore their texture.

When it comes to making the perfect falafel, Tori Avey’s recipe is a game-changer 🌟. This Provençal delight is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and Tori’s version is sure to become a favorite in your household too. So, what’s the secret to her crispy and flavorful falafel? Let’s dive in!

The Magic Ingredients 🔮

Tori’s falafel recipe relies on a mix of chickpeas, herbs, and spices. You’ll need:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Tips for the Perfect Falafel 💡

To ensure your falafel turns out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, follow these pro tips:

  • Drain and dry the chickpeas thoroughly after soaking to prevent excess moisture.
  • Don’t overprocess the mixture – you want it to retain some texture.
  • Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to help the falafel hold their shape.
  • Fry at the right temperature (around 375°F) for a crispy exterior.

By following Tori Avey’s falafel recipe and these helpful tips, you’ll be enjoying delicious, crispy falafel in no time 🍴. Serve them in a pita with your favorite toppings, or enjoy them as a snack on their own – either way, they’re sure to be a hit! 😋

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Falafel

These expert tips will help you achieve crispy, flavorful falafel just like Tori Avey’s Provençal recipe.

Chickpea Texture: Don’t overprocess the chickpea mixture in Step 1 – you want it coarsely chopped with some texture remaining. This prevents dense falafel and helps maintain that perfect tender interior.

Spice Blend: Toasting your cumin and coriander before grinding enhances their flavor. Simply heat a dry pan over medium heat, add the spices, and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor.

Frying Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for perfect crispiness. If you’re frying multiple batches, let the oil recover between batches – this prevents greasy falafel. 🔥

Storage Tip: While best served fresh, you can make the chickpea mixture ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shape just before frying for the best texture. Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories
420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g23%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 680mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 52g19%
Dietary Fiber 12g43%
Sugars 8g
Protein 16g32%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.8
(13 reviews)

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Chef Melanie

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