Are there healthier ways to cook Falafel than deep frying it?

Question

I am trying to make my own Falafel, but all the recipes I have seen seem to suggest that you deep fry the patties/balls in a couple of inches of oil. Is there a healthier alternative method, eg. can you grill them or bake them and still get similar results?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Here is a recipe for baked falafel, I'm sure it would be good, especially in a pita with diced tomatoes and cucumber sauce

Baked Falafel

3/4 cup water
1/2 cup bulgur wheat
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 red onion, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 1/4 teaspoons cumin
1 1/4 teaspoons coriander
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup dried breadcrumbs, plus
2 teaspoons dried breadcrumbs
1/4 cup cilantro, minced
1/4 cup parsley, minced
salt
olive oil flavored cooking spray
Directions
1Bring water to a boil and remove from the heat.
2Mix in the bulgur.
3Cover well and allow the wheat to sit until all the water is absorbed -- about 20 minutes.
4Heat the olive oil in a small pan and saute the onion and garlic over medium heat until the onion is just transparent.
5Add red chili flakes, cumin, and coriander and saute for 1 more minute.
6Combine the chickpeas and bulgur in a food processor. Add the lemon juice, bread crumbs, cilantro, parsley and salt and process until just mixed, and has a pleasing texture.
7Set mixture aside for 15 minutes.
8Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
9Form falafel mixture into 2 inch balls and place on a lightly oiled sheet pan.
10Spray the balls with some olive oil.
11Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden, turning the pan once during baking.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

I like a 'can do' attitude!

Answer 2

You can bake them if you add egg in there.

Answer 3

I haven't had good results with baking (taste closer to cardboard). I usually make the patties and use a small amount of canola oil on a cast iron skillet to cook them . They develop a nice golden color and maintain their falafel flavor.

Answer 4

fry only for the color then bake

Answer 5

you can boil it in water.
but it tastes like dirt,but it is healthy.=)

Answer 6

I don't feel they will taste the same or have the same texture which would be a bummer. Fry them in extra virgin cold pressed olive oil. The "healthy" oil.

Answer 7

I've tried other ways, they do not taste the same,and the texture gets funny.

Answer 8

No you have to deep fry them and preferably in lard and not vegetable oil.