Ingredients

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into big chunks

400g can chickpeas, drained

200g ready-cooked vacuum-packed chestnuts

1 large egg

½ tsp chilli flakes

2 tsp cumin seeds

1 garlic clove

Small pack coriander, roughly chopped, plus extra to serve

85g cranberries, defrosted if frozen and halved if you have time

4 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil

150g pot creamy Greek-style yogurt, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Place the sweet potato chunks in a microwave-proof bowl, add 1 teaspoon of water, and cook on High for 2 minutes. Mash the sweet potato in a large bowl until smooth.

Step 2: Add the chickpeas and chestnuts to a food processor and pulse until they are well chopped but not turned into a paste. Transfer this mixture on top of the mashed sweet potato.

Step 3: Add the egg, chilli flakes, cumin seeds, garlic clove, and chopped coriander to the bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix everything well using your hands.

Step 4: Gently fold in the cranberries. Shape dessertspoon-sized balls of the mixture into about 20 small patties. You can make these ahead and chill for up to 3 days.

Step 5: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Fry half of the falafel patties for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.

Step 6: Repeat the frying process with the remaining oil and patties. These falafels can be made up to 2 days in advance and reheated gently before serving.

Step 7: Let the falafel cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with a dollop of creamy Greek-style yogurt and a scattering of fresh coriander.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the cumin seeds before adding them to the mix to enhance their flavor.

If you prefer a vegan version, omit the egg and use a flax egg or aquafaba to bind the mixture.

Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for added brightness.

Substitute fresh cranberries with dried ones soaked briefly in warm water if fresh are unavailable.

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh?

Canned cranberries can be used if fresh or defrosted cranberries aren’t available, but fresh cranberries provide a better texture and tartness to balance the sweetness of the chestnuts.

How do I prevent the falafel from falling apart while frying?

Make sure to mash the sweet potato well and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Using an egg helps bind the mixture, and frying on medium heat ensures the patties cook evenly without breaking.