Crispy Oven-Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Aug 25
5 min read
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Enjoy a healthier take on a Middle Eastern classic with these oven-baked falafels. Made from chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, these falafels are baked to achieve a crispy exterior and tender inside. Paired with creamy tahini sauce, they make a delicious, protein-packed meal or snack that’s perfect for wraps, bowls, and salads.
Falafel is a classic Middle Eastern dish made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, usually deep-fried to golden perfection. This recipe offers a healthier twist on the traditional method by baking the falafel in the oven, resulting in a crisp exterior and tender, flavorful interior without the need for excess oil. The chickpeas are seasoned with cumin, coriander, garlic, and fresh parsley, giving the falafel a fragrant aroma and vibrant taste. Served with a creamy homemade tahini sauce, these oven-baked falafels are perfect as a satisfying snack, appetizer, or main meal when wrapped in pita bread with fresh vegetables. This dish is completely plant-based, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans, and is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a weekday dinner, the combination of crispy falafel and rich tahini sauce is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Dried chickpeas — 1 cup (soaked overnight)
- Fresh parsley — 1 cup, chopped
- Fresh cilantro — 1/2 cup, chopped
- Garlic cloves — 3, minced
- Onion — 1 small, chopped
- Ground cumin — 2 teaspoons
- Ground coriander — 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder — 1 teaspoon
- Salt — 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper — 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil — 2 tablespoons
- Tahini paste — 1/3 cup
- Lemon juice — 2 tablespoons
- Water — 2-3 tablespoons
- Pita bread — for serving
- Fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, lettuce) — for serving
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry. Add them to a food processor along with parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
3. Process the mixture until it resembles coarse sand and sticks together when pressed. Do not over-process into a paste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and shape into small balls or patties using damp hands.
5. Brush or spray the falafel lightly with olive oil and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the falafel are golden brown and crisp.
7. While the falafel bake, prepare the tahini sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini paste, lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust water for desired consistency.
8. Serve the crispy falafel with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.