Homemade Baked Falafel

Healthy, full of flavour and simply delicious. Making falafel is easier than you might think.

What is not to love about falafel? Flavours can easily be adjusted to what you like and can be enjoyed in many wonderful ways.

WHAT IS FALAFEL?

They are a traditional Middle Eastern dish and a popular street food made with ground chickpeas, fresh herbs and ground spices such as cumin and coriander.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THESE FALAFEL

• I am not a big fan of deep frying at home, which is why these falafel are baked and not fried, which also makes them healthier.

• They are gluten-free, nut-free and vegan.

• You can use dried chickpeas or canned chickpeas

TO MAKES THESE YOU WILL NEED

• chickpeas, dried and cooked or canned can work too

• fresh lemon juice

• ground cumin

• harissa paste

• finely diced onion (optional)

• fresh garlic

• salt & pepper

• fresh herbs such as parsley, coriander and/or basil

• chickpea (gram) flour

• sesame seeds for coating (optional)

In a food processor blend all ingredients until well combined. Shape into falafels and coat them in sesame seeds (optional step) before baking in the oven until golden.

ADDITIONAL ADD-INS OPTIONS

• Add a bit of chilli or cayenne for more spice and heat

• Replace the harissa paste with other dried herbs or spices such as za'atar.

• Add lemon zest

• Add a few sundried tomatoes to the mixture

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• add to salads

• in a warm pita with hummus, tomatoes, cucumber and kalamata olives

• in a wrap or flatbread with hummus and roasted vegetables and pickles

• as an appetizer with a tahini dip

WHY NOT TRY WITH ONE OF THESE HUMMUS RECIPES

red pepper hummus

my favourite hummus

HOMEMADE BAKED FALAFEL

Healthy, full of flavour and simply delicious.

Makes: 8 - 9 falafel

Prep time: 10 minutes

Baking time: 25 - 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE FALAFEL

• 240g chickpeas

• 1/4 medium onion, diced (optional)

• 2 - 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp harissa paste

• 2 handful fresh herbs such as parsley, coriander and/or basil

• 1 tbsp chickpea (gram) flour

• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

TO COAT (optional)

• 3 - 4 tbsp sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 180C and prepare a baking tray.

2. Brush the tray with a bit of olive oil.

3. Add all the falafel ingredients, except for the chickpea flour, to a food processor and blend until well combined.

4. Add the chickpea flour and blend again for a few seconds to combine.

5. Shape the mixture into little patty shapes and coat with sesame seeds on both sides.

6. Place on the prepare baking tray and repeat with the rest of the mixture.

7. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes before flipping them and bake for another 10 - 15 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven and enjoy warm or cooled, as desired.

Have you made this?

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