Easy Sprouted Chickpea Falafel

These sprouted chickpea falafel are the perfect snack. Bite sized, crispy on the outside but soft and juicy on the inside. They  may feel like a naughty treat but are actually packed with plant nutrients and minerals, especially since we are using sprouted chickpeas. These falafel get you the best of both worlds, a delicious snack without the guilt!

Chickpeas are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Due to their low glycemic index, they help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes. Chickpeas are also high in dietary fiber, especially in soluble fiber, which improves our digestion. But soluble fiber is not just good for digestion, it also lowers cholesterol levels. On top of that, chickpeas are rich in calcium and magnesium, which are important building blocks for our bones.

So it is no secret that including chickpeas in your diet has a variety of health benefits. But by sprouting chickpeas, their health benefits increase even more. That’s because the sprouting process activates certain enzymes and removes anti-nutrients, making them even more nutritious and at the same time easier to digest. If you have had digestive issues with eating chickpeas in the past, try sprouting them and you may be surprised that your previous symptoms are no longer a problem.

Another benefit of sprouting chickpeas is that you don’t have to cook them afterward. Simply use them right away to make these delicious sprouted chickpea falafel. They are super quick and easy to make and you can enjoy them plain as a snack, dipped into some hummus or as a topping on a salad bowl. Falafel are so versatile and go well with a lot of dishes. But you can also simply pack them as an afternoon snack at work. I like to make a big batch of these and store them in the fridge. That way I always have some ready to snack on. 

Let’s make sprouted chickpea falafel

Step 1 – Mix the ingredients

Dice the onion and the garlic. Add all the ingredients apart from the sunflower seed oil to a food processor and pulse until you get a smooth consistency. If the mixture is too dry and does not mix very well, add a splash of water. In the end, you should have a thick mixture that you can form into small balls.

Step 2 – Fry the falafel

Add the sunflower seed oil to a large skillet and slowly heat up. Start to form small balls from the falafel mixture and add them to the pan. Fry the falafel for about 4-5 minutes, turning them regularly to make sure they are turning nice and golden on all sides. If they start to brown too quickly, turn down the heat.

Step 3 – Remove the falafel

Once the falafel are golden brown on all sides, remove them from the pan. Let them rest on some kitchen towel for a few minutes, to get rid of any excess oil. That’s it, your falafel are ready to be enjoyed!