falafel
Falafel, the delicious chickpea balls, deliver flavor and crunch with authentic Mediterranean spices. Try this healthy and easy recipe!
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Pulse until coarse, not smooth.
- Add cumin, coriander, baking powder, oat flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse more until the mixture binds. If too wet, add a little more flour.
- Scoop out small portions and shape them into balls or patties. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush each falafel with olive oil for a crispy finish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Serve hot, with your favorite sauce or in pita bread. Enjoy!
Notes
Falafel is one of the most versatile and beloved dishes in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying it as a protein-packed main dish, a quick snack, or inside a pita for a satisfying sandwich, falafel can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and occasions.
Practical Tips & Ingredient Swaps
- Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight for extra crispy falafel. Canned chickpeas work in a pinch, but the texture is less authentic.
- If you’re avoiding gluten, swap oat flour for chickpea or rice flour—both offer excellent binding and subtle flavor.
- For a deeper herb flavor, increase parsley or cilantro, or add a touch of mint.
- Add chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for those who love a spicy kick.
Preparation Insights
- Don’t over-process the mixture. Pulse just until combined to avoid a pasty texture; you want small bits of chickpea and herbs visible for crunch and flavor.
- Refrigerating the shaped falafel for 15-20 minutes before baking or frying can help them hold together better.
- When baking, brushing with olive oil ensures a crispy exterior without deep frying.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Serve your falafel hot with classic tahini sauce, garlic yogurt, or a simple tomato-cucumber salad.
- Try wrapping falafel in pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles for a street-food style experience.
- You can also create mini falafel balls to serve as party bites with your favorite dips.
