Parsley-Infused Falafel with Spicy Tahini Sauce
Parsley-Infused Falafel with Spicy Tahini Sauce: A parsley-packed, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside falafel that's perfect for a party or a quick weeknight meal. The tahini sauce adds a spicy kick that's sure to please everyone. These falafel are best when served fresh, but they can also be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Falafel, a Middle Eastern staple, is a deep-fried chickpea ball that's often served as a street food or appetizer. It's a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, but the most common are chickpeas, parsley, onion, and garlic. The chickpeas provide the base for the falafel, while the parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor. The onion and garlic add sweetness and depth of flavor. Falafel is typically served with a tahini sauce, which is made from tahini (a ground sesame seed paste), lemon juice, and water. The tahini sauce adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the falafel. In this recipe, we've added a bit of spice to the tahini sauce with the addition of ground cayenne pepper.
Parsley-Infused Falafel with Spicy Tahini Sauce Parsley-Infused Falafel with Spicy Tahini Sauce Parsley-Infused Falafel with Spicy Tahini Sauce Parsley-Infused Falafel with Spicy Tahini Sauce
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
  3. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Process until the mixture is finely chopped but still has some texture.
  4. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the falafel are golden brown and crispy.
  6. To make the spicy tahini sauce, whisk together 1/2 cup tahini, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.
  7. Serve the falafel with the spicy tahini sauce and your favorite toppings.
Why It Works
  • Soaking the chickpeas overnight helps to make them more tender and easier to digest.
  • Using a food processor to chop the ingredients helps to create a smooth, even texture.
  • Baking the falafel instead of frying them makes them healthier and easier to make.
  • The addition of parsley to the falafel adds a bright, fresh flavor.
  • The spicy tahini sauce adds a delicious kick to the falafel.