Description
This Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce recipe offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to the traditional fried version. Made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices, these crispy baked falafel balls are perfect for a nutritious main course or snack. The creamy tahini sauce adds a tangy, rich finish that complements the dish beautifully, making it an ideal vegan Middle Eastern delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Falafel Ingredients
- 2 cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons flour or chickpea flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Tahini Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper with olive oil to prevent sticking and help the falafel crisp up during baking.
- Process Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the soaked and drained chickpeas, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, chopped onion, and garlic cloves. Pulse the mixture until it is finely ground but not a smooth paste, leaving some texture for authentic falafel consistency.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Transfer the chickpea mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and bind the mixture together.
- Shape Falafel: Using your hands or a falafel scoop, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, roughly uniform in size, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the falafel balls with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely and develop a crispy exterior during baking.
- Bake Falafel: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the falafel halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides. They should be golden brown and crisp on the outside when done.
- Prepare Tahini Sauce: While the falafel bakes, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, adding a little more water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve the baked falafel warm with the tahini sauce on the side. They make a delicious main dish or snack and can be paired with pita bread, fresh salad, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Do not use canned chickpeas; dried and soaked chickpeas ensure the proper texture.
- If the falafel mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour to help bind it.
- For a crispier exterior, you can pan-fry the falafel instead of baking.
- Serve falafel with pita, salad, or enjoy them as a high-protein vegan snack.
