• Add dried chickpeas to a bowl. Sprinkle over 1 teaspoon baking soda. Add 4 cups of water. Stir together. Soak dried chickpeas overnight. Drain chickpeas from water and lay them out on a towel.  Thoroughly pat them dry.  Get as much moisture out as possible.
• In a small sauce pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add all the garlic. Cook, stirring often until fragrant and golden brown. Remove the garlic and reserve the oil*. 
• Add chickpeas to a food processor with the garlic and remaining ingredients. Pulse, scrapping down the sides often, until all the ingredients are chopped up and a thick batter is left. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to hydrate and intensive the flavor.
• Roll into 1" balls (you can use a cookie scoop to ensure even size).

For Deep Fried Falafels (Traditional)

• Once all the balls are made, heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy bottomed pot and bring the temperature up to 350 degrees F. Add the baking soda to the oil.
• Drop falafels into the oil and cook for 2 ½-5 minutes, moving around to ensure golden brown on all sides. Remove from the oil and lay on a towel lined plate to remove excess oil. Repeat with remaining balls.

Skillet Method

• Once falafels are shaped - Add a little oil to a skillet and move them around for 5-7 minutes ensuring that all sides are cooked golden brown.

  Alternatively, if you want to deep fry but only have a skillet, you can add enough oil to a heavy bottom skillet or dutch oven and fry for a few minutes like above. It's best to have a thermometer to make sure you are frying at 350 degrees F.  

Air Fryer Method (Oil Free)

• Once falafels are shaped -Place the falafels inside your air fryer at 350 degrees F and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. Should be a golden brown color on the outside. 

Baked Method (Oil Free)

• Place the falafels on a baking sheet and into a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees F.  Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway. Should be a golden brown color on the outside. 
• Serve inside pitas, or with vegan turmeric garlic rice.