Most of us know falafel as a tried and true favorite that’s cool for vegans and vegetarians. But is falafel ever made with animal products? Read here to find out.
Whether you are traveling around the world, trying a new restaurant, or making them yourself, you may find yourself asking if falafel is vegan?
Falafel, one of the most well-known foods from the Mediterranean and Middle East, is a fried ball made usually made with a base of legumes, mixed with veggies, herbs, and spices. There are, of course, many regional variations, too.
When ordering falafel at a restaurant or stand, they often be presented in sandwich, wrap, or a platter with other Mediterranean veggies and sauces.
Vegans can rejoice because falafel is nearly always made without any animal product. Keep reading to find out more about falafel and to learn about those rare occasions where falafel might not be vegan.
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Falafel Ingredients
As we said, falafel itself is usually made with a mixture of:
- Ground garbanzo beans and/or ground fava beans
- Spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, salt, black pepper
- Fresh ingredients like parsley and onions
With the ground legumes as the base to bind everything without using egg, these ingredients are mixed together and formed into balls that are then deep-fried. This is one of the crucial parts that will determine if the falafel is vegan or not. Traditionally, falafels were deep-fried in lard or some kind of animal fat, but this is not so common anymore. Falafel is more often fried in vegetable oil and it’s so easy to simply ask directly if the oil is vegetable or from animal fat.
The fried falafel patties are then often served in pita bread, or some kind of bread wrap, but some of these bread products used are not always definitely vegan. Common foods to accompany the falafel wrap or pita are lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and even pickled veggies.
The sandwich or wrap may be served with tzatziki (a Greek herbal yogurt sauce) or tahini (a sunflower seed paste that isn’t always vegan). Be sure to inquire about if the dressings and bread used are vegan or not and be sure to ask for your vegan falafel without these if they aren’t vegan friendly.
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