Falafel Bites with Tahini and Lemon
Tahini and falafel are natural complements, but this simple dip takes that classic pairing to the next level. It takes all of the components of a great falafel—chickpeas, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, and coriander—and adds tahini for a creamy, rich, nutty flavor. Serve it warm or at room temperature, with or without a squeeze of lemon. The sauce is also delicious drizzled over roasted or steamed vegetables.
Falafel is a Middle Eastern street food that is typically made from chickpeas, fava beans, or a combination of the two. The beans are soaked overnight, then ground with spices and herbs and formed into balls. The falafel balls are then fried or baked until golden brown and crispy. Tahini is a Middle Eastern condiment made from sesame seeds. It has a nutty, earthy flavor and is often used as a dip or spread. Tahini and falafel are natural complements, but this simple dip takes that classic pairing to the next level. It takes all of the components of a great falafel—chickpeas, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, and coriander—and adds tahini for a creamy, rich, nutty flavor. Serve it warm or at room temperature, with or without a squeeze of lemon. The sauce is also delicious drizzled over roasted or steamed vegetables.
Falafel Bites with Tahini and Lemon Falafel Bites with Tahini and Lemon Falafel Bites with Tahini and Lemon Falafel Bites with Tahini and Lemon
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry.
  3. Combine the chickpeas, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, and bread crumbs in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
  4. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
  5. Place the falafel bites on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  6. While the falafel bites are baking, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and water in a small bowl.
  7. Serve the falafel bites with the tahini sauce.
Why It Works
  • Soaking the chickpeas overnight helps to soften them and make them easier to grind.
  • Adding tahini to the falafel mixture gives it a creamy, rich, nutty flavor.
  • Baking the falafel bites instead of frying them gives them a crispy exterior without making them greasy.
  • Whisk the tahini sauce until it is smooth and creamy.