The traditional Middle Eastern falafel sandwich is beloved for its crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture. But making authentic falafel from scratch can be messy and time-consuming. A new method called “smash falafel” offers a shortcut: spreading the falafel mixture directly onto a pita and pan-frying it flat. This technique delivers similar flavor with less effort, and the result is surprisingly good.
The Evolution of Falafel: From Frying to Smashing
For generations, homemade falafel has been a staple in many Middle Eastern households. While pre-made mixes exist, they rarely match the taste of freshly made falafel. The author of this recipe grew up eating homemade falafel, and when “smash falafel” emerged on social media, they were skeptical. Could a pan-fried version truly compete with the deep-fried original? Testing proved it could. The key is to cook the falafel side down for maximum crispiness, while leaving the pita side soft enough to fold.
Why This Method Works
The smash falafel technique is effective because:
- Pliable Pita: Steaming dry pitas briefly makes them easier to fold without cracking.
- Crispy-Soft Balance: Cooking the falafel side down first guarantees crispiness, while leaving the pita soft.
- Flavor and Texture: The flat cooking method still delivers the iconic herby falafel flavor, with added crunch from fresh toppings like veggies and pickles.
Simple Tips for Perfect Smash Falafel
To ensure success, follow these guidelines:
- Use Soft Pita: Thin, soft pita bread folds most easily. Steam drier pita rounds in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften them.
- Split the Pita: Cut each pita into two rounds to maintain the right bread-to-falafel ratio.
- Spread Thinly: Use a palette knife to evenly distribute the falafel mixture across the pita, pressing it down for adhesion.
- Griddle Only One Side: Cooking the falafel side only ensures crispiness while keeping the pita pliable. Flipping and cooking both sides results in a brittle, hard-to-fold sandwich.
Recipe Overview
This recipe streamlines the falafel-making process while preserving the core flavors. The falafel mixture is prepared, spread onto pita halves, and pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. The finished pitas are loaded with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles, then drizzled with tahini sauce (optional). The result is a quick, satisfying falafel sandwich that even the most discerning palate can enjoy.
Recipe Details
Yields: 4 pitas
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-inch) fresh pita
- Prepared homemade falafel mixture (chilled)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped cucumbers
- Pickled turnips and mixed vegetables
- Tahini sauce (optional)
- Zhug (Yemenite hot sauce, optional)
Instructions:
- Split each pita in half and spread approximately ⅓ cup of falafel mixture onto each half.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place one pita half, falafel-side down, into the skillet. Press firmly with a spatula and cook for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining pitas, adding 1 teaspoon oil between each.
- Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, tahini sauce, and zhug (if desired).
- Fold in half and serve warm.
Smash falafel offers a faster, easier way to enjoy this classic Middle Eastern dish without sacrificing flavor. While it may not completely replace traditional fried falafel, it stands on its own as a delicious and convenient alternative.
