Baked falafel is a healthier alternative to fried falafel, and it's just as delicious. The chickpeas are pulsed in a food processor until finely chopped, then combined with onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. The mixture is formed into 1-inch balls and baked for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve the falafel with tahini sauce for a complete meal.
Falafel is a Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It is typically fried, but baked falafel is a healthier alternative that is just as delicious. Falafel is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It is also a good source of protein and fiber.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and rinsed
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place the chickpeas in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
Add the onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to the food processor and pulse until combined.
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
To make the tahini sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup tahini, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.
Serve the falafel with the tahini sauce.
Why It Works
Pulses the chickpeas in a food processor until finely chopped helps to create a smooth and even texture.
Adding onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to the food processor adds flavor and depth to the falafel.
Forming the mixture into 1-inch balls helps to create a consistent shape and size.
Baking the falafel at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes helps to create a golden brown and crispy exterior.
Serving the falafel with tahini sauce adds moisture and flavor.