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Why my falafel tastes bitter?

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BRAdmin
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Why Does My Falafel Taste Bitter?

Hi everyone,

I used 400 grams of dried chickpeas that I soaked in water for 24 hours before draining them. For the recipe, I added parsley, coriander, two medium onions, 3 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 4 teaspoons of baking soda.

After blending the mixture for 3 minutes, I refrigerated it for an hour and then cooked them in an air fryer until they reached an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Unfortunately, they ended up tasting bitter, and I’m not sure why. Any insights or advice would be appreciated!

Comments

One response to “Why my falafel tastes bitter?”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    Hi there!

    I’m sorry to hear that your falafel turned out bitter. There are a few things that could be causing this issue:

    1. Baking Soda: Using too much baking soda can lead to a bitter taste. You used 4 teaspoons, which seems high for 400 grams of chickpeas. Typically, 1-2 teaspoons is enough. Try reducing the amount next time.

    2. Chickpeas: If the chickpeas were old or improperly stored, they could have developed a bitter taste. Make sure to use fresh dried chickpeas.

    3. Spices: Some spices, especially if they are old or stored improperly, can turn bitter when cooked. Check the freshness of your cumin and paprika, and consider adjusting the quantities to see if that helps.

    4. Herbs: If the parsley or coriander was old or starting to wilt, it might contribute to bitterness. Fresh herbs can make a big difference.

    5. Temperature: Make sure your air fryer isn’t set too high. Cooking at excessive temperatures can sometimes enhance bitterness.

    6. Preparation Method: If your falafel mixture was over-blended, it could affect the flavor. Blend just until combined to maintain a good texture.

    You might want to experiment with these factors and see if it improves the taste. Good luck, and I hope your next batch turns out delicious!

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