Nordic Falafels with Potato Purée
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Inspired by the wild landscapes and traditions of Scandinavia, this falafel recipe blends the authenticity of Nordic flavors with the universality and simplicity of falafels. Perfect for those looking to warm their soul while delighting their taste buds, this dish promises a memorable taste experience.
The preparation of the falafels, with their tender heart and crispy exterior, is enhanced by the delicate addition of fennel and fresh dill, nodding to the aromatic herbs so dear to Scandinavian cuisine. Accompanied by a creamy potato purée, these falafels truly celebrate simple yet profound flavors.
In this recipe, we specifically use the greenery of the fennel, the green and feathery fronds, for their ability to delicately flavor dishes without overpowering them. These fronds, with a slightly aniseed and fresh taste, add a subtle nuance and are used sparingly to perfectly balance the flavors. Unlike the bulb, which is used for its crunchy texture in larger quantities, a tablespoon of these fronds is enough to infuse the falafels with a unique aromatic touch without overshadowing the other ingredients.
The dill tahini sauce completes this dish, adding a creamy touch and a slightly tangy flavor that ties everything together. Easy to prepare, this sauce is the ideal companion to enrich the falafels and purée with an additional taste dimension.
For optimal preparation, start with the potato purée, follow with the falafels, and finish with the dill tahini sauce, all completed within about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Suitable for any meal, from family dinners to gatherings with friends, this recipe offers a culinary experience that is both familiar and new, unpretentious yet full of flavors. So, let’s head to the Nordic lands.
Nordic Falafels with Potato Purée
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Falafels:
- 1 can of 400 g of cooked chickpeas1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh fennel chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3-4 tablespoons chickpea flour (adjust based on consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Ingredients for the Tahini Dill Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- Water (as needed, to adjust consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for the Potato Purée:
- 1 kg potatoes peeled and cut into pieces
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- 60 ml oat milk or other unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Potato Purée:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot to dry out over low heat for a few moments, stirring to prevent sticking. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or whisk until you reach the desired consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the olive oil or vegan butter and oat milk, whisking until the purée is smooth. Add the dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
For the Falafels:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, dill, fennel, cumin, and coriander. Process until you have a homogeneous but still slightly coarse paste.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the chickpea flour, salt, and pepper. Mix well. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more chickpea flour. Form into balls or patties.
- Heat a pan with a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the falafels until golden and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
For the Tahini Dill Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the tahini, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Gradually add water until you reach the desired consistency for the sauce.
Serving:
- Serve the hot falafels accompanied by the potato purée and tahini dill sauce. This combination creates a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for an evening inspired by Scandinavian flavors.
A recipe proposed by Maison Marmite
