If you’re like me and love to make cooking a little easier in any way possible, having a blend of spices ready on hand is one of those tasks that can help with just that. I love making falafel, so it makes perfect sense to have a jar of ready-made falafel spices and herbs in the pantry. Ready in minutes, stores for a year.
What Are Falafel Spices and Herbs
Dried and ground spices and herbs are what give falafel its distinctive flavor.
These spices and herbs can differ between regions and countries.
Some recipes call for the use of fresh herbs whilst others, call for the use of dried herbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You’ll be better organized and save time for when you next make a batch of falafel
- It takes minutes to prepare and can be stored for up to a year in the pantry or however long spices last in your pantry!
- This falafel spice mix is exactly the combination of herbs and spices my Lebanese family uses, so I guarantee the flavor of your falafel is exactly how you want them to be
Spices and Herbs You’ll Need
Falafel Dried Herbs
- Ground parsley
- Ground mint
If you’re lucky enough to grow and dry your own herbs, this is the perfect application to use them in this blend. Otherwise, you can purchase any of these from your local supermarket.
If you prefer to use fresh herbs in your falafel, leave the dried herbs out.
Falafel Spices
- Lebanese Seven Spice, as the name suggests, is a blend of seven (7) spices that are commonly used in Lebanese cooking, I use it in so many of my recipes, my pantry wouldn’t be right without this blend. You can make your own Lebanese 7 spice or purchase this spice blend here, otherwise it can be found at your local Middle Eastern grocer.
- Ground Paprika
- Ground coriander seed
- Ground cumin
- Salt - you can opt to leave this out and add this when making the actual falafel instead.
- Ground black pepper
Use Whole Spices Where Possible
I like using whole spices when I can.
Why? For enhanced flavor, potency, and freshness.
Whole spices contain essential oils that give them their unique flavors and aromas.
Grinding them releases these oils, intensifying the flavor and fragrance of the spice. Freshly ground spices tend to have a more pronounced taste compared to pre-ground spices.
If you do use whole spices, you will need a spice grinder to make it easier to grind them to a powdery consistency.
Alternatively, a mortar and pestle can also be used to manually crush the whole spices by hand.
How To Make Falafel Spices and Herbs Mix
Gather and measure all your dried spices and herbs. Use a bowl to combine everything evenly.
Transfer the falafel spices and herbs mix to a clean airtight container or a spice jar.
Store in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. It should remain fresh for about one year or however long other spices remain fresh. Use as you need.
How to Use Falafel Spices and Herbs
Prepare the falafel as per instructed on the recipe without adding any spices or herbs, then add this falafel spice mix as per needed by doing a taste test.
Add as much as you like.
However, a general rule of thumb is for every 1½ cups of dried beans, use 2½ tablespoons of this spice mix to make falafel.
If you love the flavor of falafel, then here are some other creative suggestions;
- Falafel-flavored chickpea crackers
- Sprinkle on top of beet crisps
- Add it to your popcorn
- Roast veggies with it
- Add a little bit more to this falafel salad with tahini dressing by adding a small amount in the dressing.
More On Falafel
I am a huge lover of falafel, a food I grew up on in my Lebanese family, so I have you covered with all things falafel.
For those who want to avoid deep frying, check out my falafel in air fryer recipe.
You can use these to make a satisfying vegan falafel bowl or make the most satisfying pita sandwich or a vegan falafel burger.
Or to learn about authentic foods to serve with falafel, click that link, it’s filled with all the good stuff.
This list of falafel ideas for dinner differs from the above list.
If you’re curious about if falafel is vegan or is falafel gluten-free, those two articles explain in detail what to look for.
Want to save even more time? Learn how to freeze falafel 2 ways! Honestly, this is the best, you can cook them frozen.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
Recipe
Easy Authentic Falafel Spices and Herbs Mix
Ingredients
Falafel herbs
- 7½ teaspoon Dried parsley
- 7½ teaspoon Dried Mint
Falafel Spices
- 5 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1¼ teaspoon Lebanese 7 spice
- 2½ teaspoon Ground Paprika
- 2½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 3¾ teaspoon Salt
- 2½ teaspoon Ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all the measured dried herbs and spices in a bowl. Mix them together until evenly blended.
- Transfer the falafel spices and herbs mix to an airtight container or a spice jar. Store in in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. It should remain fresh for about one year or however long other spices remain fresh. Use as you need, general rule of thumb for every 1½ cups of dried beans, use 2½ tablespoons of this spice mix to make falafel. See notes.
Notes
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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