Freeze-Ahead Herby Falafel: A Quick and Easy Meal Prep Solution

Falafel, balls of flavorful chickpeas, herbs, and spices, are a delicious and versatile Middle Eastern dish. They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course. However, making falafel from scratch can be time-consuming.

Enter freeze-ahead herby falafel! This easy-to-prepare dish allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade falafel whenever you want, without spending hours in the kitchen. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

* 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 onion, chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup flour
* Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, mint, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Process until finely chopped but not pureed.
2. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the bread crumbs and flour and mix well.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Place the falafel balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Freeze the falafel for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
6. To cook the falafel, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Add the frozen falafel balls to the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and crispy.
8. Serve the falafel hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

* For a crispy exterior, double-fry the falafel. After cooking them once, let them cool slightly, then fry them again for an additional 1-2 minutes.
* If you don't have time to form the falafel into balls, you can flatten the mixture into patties.
* Falafel can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then fry them as directed above.

Conclusion:

Freeze-ahead herby falafel is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this popular Middle Eastern dish. With minimal prep time and the ability to freeze them for later, these falafel are perfect for busy families and meal preppers alike. So next time you're craving falafel, reach for your freezer and enjoy a quick and easy meal in minutes!