Can I Freeze Homemade Falafel? Good Questions

Q: Because of an allergy to sesame seeds, I can only enjoy falafel made in my own kitchen. I have a great recipe, but it requires a good deal of prep work that makes satisfying a falafel craving on a whim a bit of a challenge.

I am wondering if falafel would take well to freezing. This way, I could make a large batch once in a while and have a falafel whenever the mood strikes me.

If freezing is a viable option, would it be best to freeze them uncooked or fully cook them before storing in the freezer? Finally, what would be the best re-heat method?

Sent by Sofia

Editor:Sofia, we're not sure about this one, so we'll throw it straight out to the readers. Anyone have advice for freezing falafel? If it does indeed work out, this could be a great weeknight meal.

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(Image: Emma Christensen)

Comments (8)

I've made sesame-free falafel from scratch many times:

http://mostlyfoodstuffs.blogspot.com/2009/07/falafel.html

and given the hassle of scoring dried favas (for best flavor), soaking, grinding, frying, etc., I almost always make a huge batch and freeze them. I've frozen both the raw dough and the fried balls, and both methods work fine. When I freeze the dough, I just let it fully thaw and then scoop and fry. With pre-fried balls, I just let them thaw a bit (doesn't need to be fully), and then throw them in the toaster oven (in a pan, to avoid falling grease fires) until they sizzle. The consistency doesn't really suffer much.

You could probably also form the raw dough into balls, put them on a baking sheet in the freezer, let them freeze and then store them in bags or a container. That way they won't stick together .

Thanks for posting my question and for the responses! I'm really excited to try freezing and have falafels any time.

I've frozen cooked falafel before without a problem - they thaw out very well in the fridge and make an easy lunch for a commuter who only has a toaster oven and a microwave at her disposal for lunch!

I second Sara in America's comment... I successfully freeze a variety of items including cookie dough and fresh berries using the baking sheet method, then package together after they've went through a quick freeze. Don't leave on the baking sheet to freeze for too long, and be sure to cover them well to store long term... I haven't tried this out on falafel, but I'm sure it would work well!

I do exactly what Sara said - shape them into balls, freeze, and then put them into ziplock bags. I always bake mine, for three reasons: 1) they are healthier, 2) they are low maintenance, and 3) I am afraid of frying with oil. There, I said it. They still get nice and crunchy in the oven. When I want falafel, I just pop them in the oven right from frozen, and 20 minutes later they're in my belly. My recipe is below if you are interested. :)

http://scrumtrellescent.blogspot.com/2009/06/falafel.html

You could also make up a batch without the liquid, store it dry and mix when needed.

our local co-op sells them frozen - they're prebaked and tatse great thawed and served chilled or at room temp. So baking before freezing might be another option for you