Traditional Egyptian Ta’ameya (Falafel)

Ta’ameya, Egypt’s take on falafel, is a beloved street food known for its light, crispy texture and rich herbaceous flavor. Unlike chickpea-based falafel, this recipe uses fava beans, blended with fresh herbs and aromatic spices for a vibrant green interior and an irresistible crunch. Whether enjoyed in a warm pita with tahini sauce and pickles or as a side dish. This authentic Egyptian favorite is a must-try for any falafel lover!
0.0/5
0 Review(s)

The Story

Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside—Egypt’s Ta’ameya or falafel is a staple of the country’s rich street food culture. This authentic Egyptian falafel is made with fava beans, giving it a lighter texture and a vibrant green color, thanks to the generous use of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill. Seasoned with warm Middle Eastern spices, and sesame seeds for extra crunch, and fried to golden perfection, Ta’ameya is a must-try for falafel lovers. It’s naturally vegan, protein-packed, and gluten-free, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch staple in Egypt, it’s best served in a fluffy pita with creamy tahini sauce, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles for the full experience. Whether you’re looking to explore Egyptian cuisine or perfect your homemade falafel, this authentic Ta’ameya recipe brings the taste of Cairo’s bustling streets right to your kitchen!

Ingredients

1 cup dried split fava beans (soaked overnight and drained)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for coating)
Vegetable oil, for frying
4 Servings

Prep Time:

0 Hrs 30 Mins

Cook Time:

0 Hrs 10 Mins

Total TIme:

0 Hrs 0 Mins

Directions

Most-Delicious-Falafel-Recipe-Fried-or-Baked

Step

Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mixture 1. Drain the soaked fava beans and rinse them well. 2. In a food processor, add the fava beans, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, dill, coriander, cumin, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). 3. Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth, thick paste, scraping down the sides as needed. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of water to help it blend. 4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
The-worlds-best-falafel-recipe-comes-from-Egypt-_-Back-to-basics

Step

Step 2: Shape the Ta’ameya 1. Once chilled, take a spoonful of the mixture and form it into small round patties or balls (about the size of a golf ball). 2. Lightly press each falafel into sesame seeds for added crunch.
Fry-the-Falafel

Step

Step 3: Cook the Ta’ameya Option 1: Traditional Frying 1. In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). 2. Gently drop a few falafel into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. 3. Fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy. 4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Option 2: Air-frying (Healthier Alternative) 1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). 2. Lightly brush or spray the falafel balls with a little olive oil to help them crisp up. 3. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded. 4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Homemade-Lebanese-Falafel-Recipe-with-Tahini-Yogurt

Step

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy! 1. Serve warm in pita bread with tahini sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles, or enjoy them as a side dish with a fresh salad. 2. Enjoy your homemade authentic Egyptian Ta’ameya!

Tips for this recipe

Baking Alternative: If you prefer a low-oil version, bake the Ta’ameya at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Lightly brush with olive oil for a better texture. Freezing Tip: You can shape the falafel mixture into patties and freeze them before frying. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw! Serving Ideas: Serve in pita with tahini sauce, arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled vegetables for an authentic Egyptian experience. Pair with a side of fava bean stew (Ful Medames) for a traditional breakfast. Best Beans to Use: Always use dried fava beans, not canned ones, as they give the best texture.

Reviews (0)

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}