is falafel healthy

The various spices in falafel—like cumin, coriander and cardamom—are also full of disease-fighting antioxidants. Fried or baked, falafel is made from ground chickpeas and can be a delicious part of your dinner or a filling snack. If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, you’ll want to avoid this dish since it’s pretty high in carbohydrates. In the case of falafel, most of the calories come from fat, at around 18 grams per half-cup serving, according to Danowski. Swap chicken or fish for dried beans once or twice a week — you'll save money, take in fewer calories and enjoy beans' many nutritional benefits. Overall, not such a bad meal. To start, skip the deep frying. I did not use either, and the falafel mixture stayed well together. Sure, it is easy to grab a can of beans, rinse and drain them and toss them into your recipe, but there are several good reasons to stock up on dried beans. Four to five pieces of traditionally prepared, deep-fried falafel contains about 540 calories and 26 grams of fat, but there is also a whopping 17 grams of fiber and 19 grams of protein. “It’s a very satisfying meal that will maintain blood sugar levels and prevent excess sugar cravings,” she says. Print. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Model Alexis Ren Eats A Plant-Based Diet (Mostly), Baskin-Robbins Is Selling A Turkey Ice Cream Cake, 45 Delicious Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes, The 25 Best Gluten-Free Snacks, Per Nutritionists, How To Order A Hot Cocoa Cold Brew From Starbucks, Seimone Augustus Might Make You An Early Riser, What ‘DWTS’ Host Tyra Banks Eats In A Day. Plus, chickpeas contain a lot of iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. You can eat falafel on its own, but it's more often than not served with the aforementioned pita bread, plus hummus or tahini, and Israeli salad...because, yum. This content is imported from Instagram. Pro Tip for Frying: When you fry the falafel patties, you want to achieve a deep golden brown color on the outside. “Ask for it over as many greens as possible without the pita. It's also made in the Levant area (mainly Syria and Lebanon) using chickpeas. Keep in mind that vegetarian doesn't necessarily mean that what you're eating is healthy. The quick-soak method won't work for these pan-fried falafel patties. You’re one dish away from instant comfort. “In a pita with sauces, you’re knocking out your daily minimal amount with that one food.”. It also fits in with several diet regimens, and it is delicious. All rights reserved. This meal is high in fat with almost half its calories (47 per cent) coming from fat. If you’re a big street food fan, chances are you’ve had many late night run-ins with a falafel-stuffed pita, as tahini and hummus dripped down your chin (drool). This content is imported from {embed-name}. Falafel is a popular food choice among many because it is generally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Falafel is one of the most popular foods in Egypt. “I would recommend baking it when you have the option,” says Shapiro. They have a low glycemic index, which means that they don’t raise the blood sugar levels. 0 from 0 votes. 53 mins . In my recipe, I used red lentils and replaced the traditional cooking method (frying) with baking. Or try making baked falafel. It contains healthy ingredients, with the main ones being ground chickpeas or fava beans. *This article was written and/or reviewed by an independent registered dietitian nutritionist. SUMMARY. If you want to give falafel a go at home, try one of these nutritious recipes: Seasoning like parsley and garlic make this already-flavorful dish from Minimalist Baker a true trip to Tel Aviv for the taste buds. Total Time. Pick hummus, babaganoush, or yogurt sauce as add-ons,” says Shapiro. Most falafels are deep-fried in oil. If you eat it in a pita, Danowski suggests opting for whole wheat, since it contains fiber to help promote healthy digestion. How to Prevent Germs at the Grocery Store. One cup of canned chickpeas contains 265 calories, 4 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein and 12.5 grams of fiber. Falafel is a Middle East deep-fried delicacy. Whether you're vegan, keto, or just trying to be more healthful this Thanksgiving, here are pies you can feel good about making. But even some of the healthiest foods will have a couple pitfalls—or pit(a)falls, if you will— and unfortunately, falafel is no exception. While these flavor-packed balls are delicious, their fried nature may have you wondering: Is falafel healthy? Balls made from heavily spiced mashed chickpeas are fried golden and served with sauces made using tahini or yogurt. Tuck these tasty chickpea patties into whole-wheat pitas and top with tahini sauce (see associated recipe, below). This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Falafel is surprisingly contained iron, that will help our body to have a good blood circulation. Falafel recipe (all the secrets) Prep Time. And while Shapiro says the oil is often unsaturated, it still ups your calorie intake considerably. However, traditional falafel like this recipe is deep-fried, adding fat and calories. A single falafel patty has 57 calories. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. "But if it's made with poor ingredients and cheap oils then I say ‘pass.’”, And then there’s the sodium content. Opt instead for a ton of fresh crunchy veggies like carrots and cucumber. Falafel is high in many micronutrients and a good source of fiber and protein. Here's the fyi on falafel: It's a Middle Eastern dish made from blended chickpeas, mixed with spices and herbs. Then, avoid packing on the pickled vegetables (like those pink turnips! Easy Falafel Recipe . Because picky eating isn’t just a kid-thing. She is the author of four cookbooks First Bites: Superfoods for Babies and Toddlers, The Healthy Air Fryer Cookbook, The Healthy Instant Pot Cookbook and Healthy Quick and Easy Smoothies. Here are 20 hidden health benefits of falafel, let’s check them out below! 45 mins. Plus, if a restaurant or vendor heats low-quality oils above their smoke point (think: canola oil), it has the potential to produce carcinogens, says Shapiro. For perfect falafel every Time is full of fiber-rich chickpeas and can a! Made out of peeled beans and always served fried your dinner or a snack... Support overall health as add-ons, ” she says '' she notes golden brown on... 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