Fantastic World Foods - Falafel mix

[sleepydvdr]

I just have to say that I have not been impressed with this so far. I made two attempts to make this.

First attempt, I made the balls (about 1/3 of the package), dropped them in 1" deep of corn oil, and tried to deep fry them like the package directed. The things slowly fell apart in the oil and I ended up with "falafel oil". Hardly any of it fried up to be edible. The little bit of crispy, adherent falafel that remained tasted good, I'll admit. But most of it ended up being little chunks of chickpea floating around in corn oil. That part is not edible, in my opinion (chickpea-corn oil mush).

Second attempt (another 1/3 of the package), I tried their alternative recipe - broiling it. This time I wanted to make a "falafel sandwich", so I pressed the falafel in a 5"x5" square (about 3/4" thick) to fit regular sized bread. I sprayed olive oil on the pan and the top of the falafel (and sprayed a few more times because it kept getting soaked up or burning off). I got the thing crispy enough (although not pretty) and made the sandwich. Well, this time it did not suit my taste. It was fairly bland and maybe even a little bitter tasting. I could only tolerate three bites before I dumped it in the trash.

I'm no falafel expert, I'll admit. I have had great falafel at restaurants and I wish I knew their secret. But maybe it's just me. I followed the directions and mine failed both times. I still have 1/3 of the package left. I'll probably give it another try, but I'm not getting my hopes up this time.

[fadeaway1289]

I just tried this for the first time a few weeks ago. I'm nowhere near a falafel expert either and have only had in restaurants. I went with the broiling method also. They came out pretty dry and fell apart easily. I didn't think they were horrible tasting though. I put them in a pita with some roasted red pepper hummus. The hummus definetly helped with the flavor.

Sorry I can't be much more of a help than that. But I'd also like to hear other's opinions on it.

[Badger_Lady]

I always just roll them up and grill them... is that not an option on the packet? Love felafel, always make them at home as a treat with toast, salad and hummus! :)

[Pirate Ferret]

I find some brands tell you to wait an hour between mixing it and cooking, maybe thatd help?

[hoodedclawjen]

^^^ i was just thinking that. its really important to let it soak and firm up properly before you do anything with it. you could also try using a little more, or less water than called for (maybe try half each way?). if they just turn to soggy crumbles, maybe adding a little chickpea (gram) flour to the mix might help hold it together too- or even rolling them in gram flour before cooking? the bitter taste does make me think it was undercooked, too.

i don't think i've used that brand, but i have used some that are just like sawdust no matter what you do- i'm happy with my bulk bin stores version now, and orgran does one thats good too (its gluten free so probably costs more than regular stuff)- so don't be afraid to try another brand.

i've found that adding a fair bit of grated carrot/zuccinni to the mix can help hold stuff together sometimes too, it also bulks up the volume so you get more falafels for your pennies, adds another veggie to the meal, and it makes them taste a bit more interesting too (especially good if they're a bit too spicy).

good luck!

[RunsWithFoxes]

I sometimes add some falafel mix to my world-famous flatbread recipe purely for its spices. I add about 3 tablespoons of falafel mix to the recipe:

http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=48007

It's very tasty! :up:

[Washoe]

If you have a meat grinder, try this (http://www.veggieboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=64838). I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. From what I understand, it's the baking powder that somehow holds it together.

[Animosity]

I've never used that brand, I do know that the ones i've read say to let it sit 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. I find that the boxed mixes never taste all that great. I haven't even bothered making it after trying the first boxes mix.

[zebulancherry]

I LOVE Fantastic Food's falafel! I make it nearly three or four times a week - unfried of course. I usually just make mine into one single-serving patty, and then cook it in a non-stick skillet like a veggie burger. I hear you can bake falafel too, but I've yet to try it.

[WonderRandy]

the president of Fantastic Foods used to be a member here... haven't seen him in ages tho...

[Rani]

If you're having problems with them falling apart then I would suggest adding a little flour. But add the flour 1 spoon at a time. If you can form a somewhat sticky ball with it in your hand then it should be fine. Too much flour will change the texture and make it less crispy and more cakey. It may take a bit of trial and error.

On another note, falafel is really easy to make from scratch and is significantly cheaper. Just takes advanced planning. I do it this way from dried chickpeas. Soak overnight and grind in a food processor with minimal water. Don't use canned beans because they're too mushy. Then I usually add some minced onions, ground cumin, coriander, salt, fresh mint if I have it, a bit of salt and fry in oil.

Well, I've made myself hungry for these now so I'll have to make them this week. Falafel is da' bomb!

[greenrunner]

I love Falafel Mix including this one. The unhealthy secret is to deep fry the balls. Wow, they are so good. I then make hummus in my vita mix (w/ xtra garlic of course), and that's one unbelievable meal!

[sleepydvdr]

I think it may be the way I was frying them. The other day, I got some pre-prepared falafel from a local HFS (refrigerated) and to heat it, I tried frying them in a little oil. They started falling apart, too. So, I microwaved them instead.

I don't have a deep fryer. Maybe that is the key. Or maybe the HFS ones were made with the same mix. It's a conspiracy, I tell you.

[hoodedclawjen]

it might be that your oil isn't quite hot enough- so its soaking into them and making them soggy, instead of sealing the outside and making them crispy.