Easy Baked Falafel with Dreamy Tahini Sauce
- Recipe Introduction
- Let's Talk Falafel, Shall We?
- What You'll Need
- Ingredients & Equipment for Your Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with Dreamy Tahini Sauce
- Cooking Method: Baking Our Way to Falafel Bliss
- Recipe Notes for the Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with Dreamy Tahini Sauce
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a healthier take on your favourite takeaway? This Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with a dreamy Tahini Sauce is your answer! It's packed with flavour. It's also surprisingly simple.
Brief Overview
Falafel hails from the Middle East. It's a popular street food with cultural significance. Our baked version is easy and takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
This recipe yields around 24 falafel balls. It is perfect as a snack or side.
Main Benefits
Baking these falafel means less fat. That way you get a Healthy Falafel Recipe ! This is ideal for a light lunch.
Or even a fun dinner party snack. What makes this Oven Baked Falafel special? The combination of spices and fresh herbs.
Plus, the creamy Tahini Sauce Recipe takes it over the top.
Time to gather your ingredients! We are going to cook some delicious Homemade Falafel with Tahini .
Let's Talk Falafel, Shall We?
Alright, so you know I'm obsessed with anything remotely Middle Eastern, right? Last summer, I went a bit mad trying to figure out How To Make Falafel at home.
Honestly, the deep fried versions always felt so heavy. Like, really heavy.
That's when I stumbled upon Baked Falafel . Now, I'll be honest, I was skeptical. Could you really get that crispy goodness without the oil bath? Turns out, you totally can! And it's way less faff.
This recipe is basically my go-to now. It uses simple ingredients. You probably already have most of them in your cupboard.
The best part? The Tahini Sauce . Oh my gosh, that Tahini Sauce is liquid gold. Trust me, you'll want to put it on everything .
What You'll Need
Before we dive in, let's get organized, yeah? Here's what you'll need to conjure up these Middle Eastern Baked Falafel beauties:
- A can of chickpeas.
- Fresh parsley and cilantro.
- Onion and garlic.
- Lemon juice.
- Spices like cumin and coriander.
- Flour (or a gluten-free blend).
- Baking powder.
- Olive oil.
And for that dreamy Tahini Sauce :
- Tahini (obviously!).
- Lemon juice.
- Water.
- Garlic.
- Salt and a pinch of cumin (optional).
Simple, right? Let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with Dreamy Tahini Sauce
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. To nail this Baked Falafel and Tahini Sauce Recipe , you'll need a few bits and bobs.
Nothing too fancy, mind you. This is all about keeping it simple, innit? We're going for a Healthy Falafel Recipe here.
Main Ingredients: Oven Baked Falafel Edition
Alright, here's what you need. I've made this recipe so many times. Honestly, it's become a staple.
- Chickpeas: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can, drained and rinsed. Quality wise, just make sure they aren't mushy. No one likes a mushy falafel recipe , yeah?
- Fresh Parsley: 1/2 cup (120ml) , tightly packed.
- Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup (60ml) , tightly packed.
- Yellow Onion: 1/2 medium (75g) , roughly chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , fresh, if you can.
- Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Ground Coriander: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) (optional, for a bit of a kick). I usually add a pinch extra, just saying.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) . Or use gluten-free.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , for drizzling.
Kicking Seasoning Notes for your Homemade Falafel with Tahini
Now, seasoning is where the magic happens.
- Essential Spice Combo: Cumin and coriander are your base. Don’t skip these!
- Flavour Enhancers: Garlic and lemon. Obviously. But a tiny pinch of cayenne gives it a little oomph .
- Quick Subs: Ran out of coriander? A pinch of garam masala can do in a pinch. Don't tell anyone I told you that, right?
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple is the name of the game when we're talking about How To Make Falafel .
- Food Processor: Absolutely essential.
- Baking Sheet: The bigger, the better!
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Stops the falafel from sticking. Trust me on this.
- Small Bowl: For your Tahini Sauce .
Right, that's all you need. Let's get cracking on this Middle Eastern Baked Falafel . Honestly, you'll wonder why you ever bothered with the deep fried stuff!
Cooking Method: Baking Our Way to Falafel Bliss
Right, let's dive into how to make this Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with a little bit of magic! This isn't your dodgy takeaway falafel.
We are baking it so it is way healthier. Trust me, this Falafel Recipe is so simple. Even my nan could nail it.
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
First things first, we need our mise en place sorted. Chop up that parsley and cilantro like you mean it.
Dice that onion like it owes you money. Mince the garlic until it's practically paste. Seriously, prepping makes life so much easier! It is essential .
To save time, I often chop the herbs and onion in advance. You know, like during the ad breaks on Bake Off.
For safety, remember to curl your fingers when chopping. You don't want to lose a digit!
step-by-step: From Mush to Golden Goodness
Here’s the nitty gritty of How To Make Falafel in the oven:
- Chuck those chickpeas, herbs, onion, garlic, lemon juice, and spices into a food processor. Pulse until it's coarsely ground. You want a chunky mix, not baby food.
- Add the flour and baking powder. Pulse a few times. Don’t overdo it!
- Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes . It's like giving the falafel mixture a little spa day.
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls. Get your hands dirty!
- Arrange on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown.
- Serve warm with that amazing Tahini Sauce Recipe .
Pro Tips: Nailing That Falafel
A little trick? Add a pinch of baking soda to the mix. It makes them extra fluffy. Honestly, it’s a game changer.
Don’t over process the mix. I know, I said it before, but it is worth repeating! It will get all gummy.
Looking for a make-ahead option? Prep the Homemade Falafel with Tahini mixture the night before and chill it. Then, bake them fresh when you're ready to eat.
Well, that's how you make this amazing Oven Baked Falafel . Easy peasy! Enjoy your Middle Eastern Baked Falafel . It's a cracking way to get your Healthy Falafel Recipe fix.
And don't forget the Tahini Sauce ! You can't have Baked Falafel without it.
Recipe Notes for the Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with Dreamy Tahini Sauce
Alright, before you dive headfirst into making this Healthy Falafel Recipe , let’s chat about a few things. Think of this as your cheat sheet to falafel perfection! Seriously, these little nuggets of wisdom will make your Oven Baked Falafel experience a breeze.
How To Make Falafel Taste Even Better: Serving Suggestions
Right, so you've baked your Baked Falafel . Now what? Don't just chuck 'em on a plate! Presentation matters, innit? I love serving them in warm pita bread.
Add some hummus, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and a generous drizzle of Tahini Sauce . It's like a little Middle Eastern party in your mouth! You could also serve them over a salad.
A simple lemon vinaigrette works wonders. Don’t forget about your sides. Roasted veggies or couscous are top-notch choices, too. If you’re feeling fancy, try a homemade Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce).
Storage Secrets for Your Homemade Falafel with Tahini
Let’s talk leftovers. Got any falafel left? What wizardry is this?. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When it comes to reheating, I’d avoid the microwave unless you are after a softer, not crispy version.
Honestly, nobody wants soggy falafel. A quick blast in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for a few minutes is much better.
Now, freezing. Can you freeze Falafel Recipe ? Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then pop them in a freezer bag.
They’ll be good for a month or two. When you're ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Twists and Tweaks: Middle Eastern Baked Falafel Variations
Fancy mixing things up? You can easily adapt this recipe. Want a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the Tahini Sauce Recipe .
It is a total game changer! If you're gluten-free, just use a gluten-free flour blend. And if you’re not a fan of cilantro you crazy thing, sub it for more parsley.
Sorted! Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Mint adds a lovely freshness.
Nutrition Lowdown: Easy Falafel Recipe Basics
Let's face it, we all want to know what we’re putting in our bodies. One serving has about 350-400 calories.
You'll get a good dose of protein (15-20g), some healthy fats (20-25g), and plenty of fiber (8-10g). Remember, these are just estimates.
Portion sizes and ingredient brands can vary. However, it’s still a pretty Healthy Falafel Recipe . It's packed with chickpeas, which are brilliant for you.
It also contains loads of fiber.
So there you have it! All the insider tips for making the perfect Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with Dreamy Tahini Sauce.
Don't be afraid to get creative and have a bit of fun with it. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
My Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with keeps crumbling! What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the crumbling conundrum! The most common culprits are not chilling the mixture for long enough, or over processing it in the food processor. The mixture should be coarsely ground, not a smooth paste. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help it bind, and remember to pulse, don't puree!
Can I freeze the falafel, and if so, what's the best way to reheat them?
Absolutely! Baked falafel freezes brilliantly. Let them cool completely after baking, then pop them into a freezer safe bag or container. To reheat, you can bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy.
You can also use an air fryer for a quicker, crispier result think of it as giving them a second chance at that "just baked" glory!
How can I make this Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with even healthier?
Great question! Since these are already baked instead of fried, you're off to a good start. You could use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Watch the amount of oil you drizzle on before baking, and load up on veggies when serving to maximize the healthy benefits.
You could also experiment with adding flax seeds or hemp hearts to the falafel mixture for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients consider it a health upgrade, a bit like adding kale to your morning smoothie.
I'm not a fan of cilantro. Is there a substitute I can use in this Easy Baked Falafel Recipe with?
No worries if you're not keen on cilantro; some people think it tastes like soap! The best substitute is to simply use more parsley. You can also add a little bit of fresh mint for a refreshing twist. Just keep the overall amount of herbs the same, and you'll be golden.
My tahini sauce is too thick! How do I thin it out without ruining the flavor?
Easy peasy! Just add water, one tablespoon at a time, and whisk until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add a touch more lemon juice if you want to brighten the flavor a bit.
Remember to taste as you go to ensure the balance is just right like a culinary tightrope walker, you want that perfect equilibrium!
Easy Baked Falafel With Dreamy Tahini Sauce
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 9g |
