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DictionaryfalafelFried chickpea or bean patties
noun

falafel

fuh-LAH-ful/fəˈlɑːfl/

Deep-fried patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans.

The split falafel reveals a coarse mixture of chickpeas and herbs inside its golden crust.

A small plate of golden-brown falafel, with one ball split open to reveal its coarse chickpea-and-herb interior and a few whole chickpeas beside the plate.
Etymology
falafelArabicsaid to mean “crunchy”

The Arabic name falafil is said to mean “crunchy,” suggesting a connection with the texture of these fried balls or patties.

In context

Max Taylor4:53
one of them is a Falafel which is like deep fried uh basically peas mashed together
(7) All About Israel’s Currency | How and Where to Exchange US Dollars for Israeli Shekels

More examples

  • She makes falafel with ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices.
  • We tuck three falafels into a pita with tomatoes.
  • This restaurant uses fava beans in its falafel.

Forms

falafel · falafels

Similar words

fritter
A broader term for small portions of deep-fried food.