Baked Falafel is like biting into a cloud of crispy goodness that dances with flavors of garlic and herbs. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake to golden perfection. It’s the type of dish that makes you feel like an instant culinary superstar.
The first time I made Baked Falafel was during a dinner party where I attempted to impress my friends. Spoiler alert: it worked! These delightful balls not only disappeared in seconds but also sparked an impromptu dance party in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy baked falafel is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The vibrant colors and spices create an irresistible visual appeal.
- With endless serving options, you can enjoy them in wraps, salads, or as hearty snacks.
- They’re also healthy, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly!
My friends were amazed at how delicious these little bites turned out; we couldn’t stop raving about them.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Chickpeas: Choose organic chickpeas for the best flavor; ensure they are well-drained before using.
- Fresh Parsley: Use flat-leaf parsley for a more robust flavor; chop it finely to integrate into the mixture easily.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; you can adjust the amount based on your love for garlic.
- Cumin Powder: A must-have spice that brings warmth; opt for freshly ground if possible for the best taste.
- Coriander Powder: This spice enhances the aromatic profile; always keep some handy for other dishes too!
- Baking Powder: Helps achieve a lighter texture; don’t skip this ingredient for fluffy falafels.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle will help crisp up those beauties while baking; use high-quality extra virgin olive oil when possible.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; don’t be shy with seasoning!
- Pita Bread or Lettuce Wraps (for serving): These are great vessels for your crispy delights; get creative with toppings too!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup—because who wants dishes after this deliciousness?
Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, add drained chickpeas, parsley, garlic cloves, cumin powder, coriander powder, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until combined but still slightly chunky—the texture should resemble coarse sand.
Add Olive Oil: Drizzle in olive oil while pulsing again until just mixed—this helps bind everything without making it mushy. Trust me; you’ll want a bit of crunch!
Scoop Mixture: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form small balls from the mixture and place them onto your prepared baking sheet—don’t worry about perfection!
Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. You might want to flip them halfway through—maintaining their golden charm is crucial!
Serve Warm: Once baked to perfection, serve your Baked Falafel warm with pita bread or lettuce wraps accompanied by tangy tahini sauce and fresh veggies—feast your eyes on this vibrant plate!
This easy-to-follow recipe is designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable while delivering mouthwatering results everyone will love. Get ready for compliments galore!
You Must Know
- Baked falafel is perfect for meal prep; it freezes well and stays flavorful.
- Serve it with creamy tahini sauce for an irresistible treat.
- The crispy texture and warm spices will make your taste buds dance.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking the chickpeas overnight, then blend all ingredients until smooth. Shape into balls and bake, flipping halfway for even crispiness. This method ensures a delightful texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness. Swap out cumin for smoked paprika or incorporate jalapeños for a spicy kick. Customize your baked falafel to suit your palate.
Storing & Reheating
Store baked falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use dried chickpeas instead of canned for better flavor and texture.
- Ensure the mixture isn’t too wet; a dry mix helps achieve that perfect crunch.
- Don’t skip the resting time; letting the mixture sit enhances flavor.
I remember the first time I made baked falafel; my friends devoured them in minutes, asking for seconds and thirds! Their joy made me realize I had found a new favorite recipe.
FAQ
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Yes, but dried chickpeas yield better texture and flavor, enhancing your baked falafel experience.
How can I make my falafel spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix before baking for extra heat.
What’s the best way to enjoy baked falafel?
Serve it in pita with fresh veggies and tahini sauce for a delicious meal that everyone loves.
Baked Falafel
Baked Falafel is a healthy, crispy delight made from chickpeas and herbs. Perfect for wraps or salads, this recipe is simple and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 falafel balls 1x
- Category: Vegetarian
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) organic chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread or lettuce wraps for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Drizzle in olive oil while pulsing until just combined.
- Form small balls from the mixture using a scoop or tablespoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm with pita bread or lettuce wraps alongside fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like cilantro or spices such as smoked paprika.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days; reheat in the oven for optimal crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 falafel balls (90g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
