Crispy Homemade Falafel Bites with Zesty Lemon Twist Hummus: The Ultimate Appetizer

Elevate your summer gatherings with these irresistible homemade falafel bites, perfectly complemented by the bright and refreshing Sabra Lemon Twist Hummus. They’re the ideal one-bite appetizer that promises to delight every palate!

Celebrating National Hummus Day and Beyond

Guess what amazing food holiday we recently celebrated? It was National Hummus Day! Yes, it’s a real and much-loved occasion dedicated to this incredible dip. While it gives us a fantastic excuse to indulge in the creamy goodness of hummus all day long, let’s be honest, many of us don’t truly *need* an extra reason to enjoy it. Hummus has long been a staple in my kitchen, a go-to healthy snack that I enjoy almost daily, proving its universal appeal and undeniable deliciousness.

This year, the celebration was even more exciting because I had the pleasure of teaming up with Sabra as part of their esteemed Tastemaker program. This partnership is a dream come true for any food enthusiast. It means I get to bring you a variety of delicious, creative dishes over the coming months, all starring Sabra’s incredible line of hummus spreads. I’ve been so impressed by their generosity and the quality of their products; it truly fuels my creativity and ignites my passion for developing exciting new recipes. Let’s just say, with all the hummus they’ve sent, I might just transform into a chickpea myself!

The Unmatched Versatility of Hummus: A Pantry Staple

Hummus is undeniably one of the most versatile and beloved spreads available. It’s rare for a week to go by without me stocking up on at least one container from the grocery store. It serves as an excellent, healthy pick-me-up when those afternoon hunger pangs strike – a daily occurrence for me! Its adaptability means it pairs beautifully with almost everything, from crisp vegetables and warm pita bread to wraps and salads. Plus, being naturally gluten-free and vegan, it’s the perfect inclusive snack or appetizer to have on hand for any party or gathering, catering to a wide range of dietary needs.

Have you explored the incredible array of hummus flavors Sabra offers? Their selection is truly expansive, featuring a flavor for every craving under the sun. Feeling a bit daring? Their supremely spicy hummus delivers a kick. Prefer something with an Italian flair? The basil pesto hummus is a fantastic choice. The culinary possibilities with Sabra’s range are truly endless. For National Hummus Day, I chose to highlight one of Sabra’s newest and most delightful flavors: their Lemon Twist Hummus. To complement its zesty freshness, I opted for something equally classic and traditional, yet with a fun, modern twist: homemade mini falafel bites!

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Falafel Bites

Homemade falafel might sound intimidating, but I assure you, it’s incredibly easy and rewarding to make! Much simpler than you might imagine. The key to truly authentic and delicious falafel lies in one crucial, often overlooked step: **soaking dried chickpeas overnight.** This preparation is non-negotiable for achieving the right texture and flavor.

The Importance of Soaked Chickpeas

To begin, simply place your dried chickpeas in a medium saucepan or large bowl, cover them generously with cold water, and let them soak on your countertop for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight. You’ll notice they plump up considerably, becoming softer and easier to process. This step is vital because it rehydrates the chickpeas without cooking them, allowing them to bind properly and achieve that distinct falafel texture when ground.

A Critical Note: Do not, under any circumstances, substitute dried chickpeas with canned chickpeas for this recipe. Canned chickpeas are pre-cooked and have a completely different moisture content and texture profile. Using them will result in a mushy falafel mixture that won’t hold its shape or develop the desired crispy exterior.

Assembling the Falafel Mixture

Once your chickpeas are perfectly soaked and drained, the falafel mixture comes together in just minutes. You’ll combine the rehydrated chickpeas with a handful of fresh and flavorful ingredients: diced red onion for a touch of sweetness and bite, fresh garlic for aromatic depth, ground cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper for that classic Middle Eastern spice, a touch of unbleached all-purpose flour to help with binding, kosher salt to enhance all the flavors, and a generous amount of fresh parsley and cilantro leaves for vibrant color and herbaceous notes. I particularly love using an equal mix of both parsley and cilantro, but if cilantro isn’t your favorite, feel free to double the amount of parsley for a delicious result.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The true art of making falafel lies in achieving the right texture in your food processor. You want to pulse the ingredients just enough so that the mixture begins to come together and can form a ball, but it shouldn’t be overly smooth or paste-like. If you don’t pulse it enough, the mixture will be too coarse and won’t hold its shape when you try to fry it. Conversely, if you over-process it, you’ll end up with a smooth, dense mixture that lacks the delightful internal texture falafel is known for. Aim for a slightly coarse, crumbly consistency that, when pressed, easily forms into a ball. Once the falafel mixture is ready, transfer it to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for about an hour. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape and less likely to fall apart during frying.

Frying for Unbeatable Crispiness

After all, falafel is *all* about that satisfying texture and incredible crunch! A falafel without a crisp exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, in my humble opinion, misses the point entirely. These mini falafel bites are designed to maximize that sought-after crunch. Being small, roughly 1-inch or smaller in diameter, and deep-fried, they achieve an unbelievably crispy texture that’s simply unmatched. The hot oil quickly cooks the exterior to a golden-brown perfection, creating a delightful shell that contrasts beautifully with the aromatic inside.

When preparing to fry, ensure your oil (safflower or another neutral oil) is adequately hot, ideally around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Frying in small batches is essential to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy falafel. Flip them continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until they are evenly browned on all sides. As soon as they emerge from the hot oil, transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle them with a touch more kosher salt. This ensures the seasoning adheres perfectly and enhances their savory flavor.

The Perfect Pairing: Falafel Bites with Lemon Twist Hummus

Once these perfectly crispy falafel bites are paired with Sabra’s new Lemon Twist Hummus, they become downright addictive. This particular hummus flavor takes a classic base and elevates it with a bright boost of extra lemon and a delicate blend of dried herbs and spices, making it an ideal companion for the rich, earthy falafel. I love to present these just-fried falafel bites artfully arranged on a bed of this zesty hummus. Using toothpicks makes them incredibly easy to grab, pass around, and enjoy as a delightful one-bite appetizer.

Whether you’re hosting a casual summer barbecue, an elegant dinner party, or simply looking for a wholesome and flavorful snack, these homemade falafel bites with Sabra Lemon Twist Hummus are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They are not only bursting with flavor but are also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for almost everyone. Prepare to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with this vibrant and satisfying Middle Eastern-inspired dish. Enjoy the process of creating these culinary gems, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite!

I am thrilled to be part of the Sabra Tastemaker program this year! This post is sponsored by Sabra. Thank you for supporting brands that allow me to get in the kitchen, be creative, and share my passion for great food!