Question 1

What Happens If You Forget To Soak Chickpeas for Falafel?

Accepted Answer

If you forget to soak your chickpeas overnight, don’t worry! You can use this quick soaking method instead:

Rinse the chickpeas and place them in a pot with enough water to cover them by at least 2 inches.
Bring the water to a boil, then turn off the heat and let the chickpeas soak for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, drain and rinse the chickpeas before using them in your falafel recipe.

This method should yield similar results to overnight soaking, but for optimal texture and flavor, it’s still recommended to soak the chickpeas overnight if possible.

Using canned chickpeas is also an option if you don’t have time to soak and cook dried chickpeas. Just make sure to rinse and drain them very well before using in your falafel recipe.

Question 2

Can I Freeze My Homemade Vegan Falafels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can freeze your homemade vegan falafels! After cooking, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

To reheat, simply thaw the falafels in the fridge overnight and then heat them up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375 degrees F (190C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Falafels can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Question 3

What Bacteria Is In Falafel?

Accepted Answer

Recent reports have highlighted an outbreak of E. coli O121, a type of bacteria, linked to certain frozen falafel products in 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with state and local partners, investigated these multistate outbreaks.

According to these sources, the bacteria found in the falafel were closely related to bacteria from sick people, suggesting that people likely got sick from eating the contaminated frozen falafel (3, 4).

In some cases, Staphylococcus aureus has also been identified in falafel. These bacteria are a common cause of foodborne illnesses and can produce toxins that lead to food poisoning (1, 5).

Bacteria can be present in falafel due to improper handling or contamination during the manufacturing process. It’s also possible for bacteria to survive if the falafel is not cooked thoroughly, as both E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus are killed by heat. Therefore, it’s crucial to handle food properly and cook it to the recommended internal temperature to prevent foodborne illnesses.

To reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, always make sure to properly rinse and handle your ingredients, cook falafel to a safe internal temperature, and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer within two hours of cooking. If you have any products in your freezer or pantry that have been recalled, be sure to discard them.

Question 4

Is Tahini Vegan Friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tahini is typically considered vegan-friendly. It is a paste made from sesame seeds and does not contain any animal products. However, it’s always important to check the ingredients list as some brands may add honey or other non-vegan ingredients to their tahini.

If you are unsure, opt for a brand that specifically labels their tahini as vegan.

Question 5

What Food Is Surprisingly Vegan?

Accepted Answer

One food that is surprisingly vegan is classic Oreo cookies. Despite their creamy filling, Oreo cookies do not contain any animal products, making them a surprisingly vegan snack.

That said, while Oreos are technically vegan as they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, they are manufactured in a facility that processes milk, which might be a concern for some strict vegans or those with allergies due to potential cross-contamination.

Furthermore, the flavored, fudge-coated Oreos are not vegan as they contain milk products. Always read labels and decide what level of animal product interaction you’re comfortable with in your diet.

Other surprisingly vegan foods include dark chocolate, most chips and crisps, some types of bread, and many canned soups.