Description
A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked falafel that’s ready in 30 minutes, served with a bright and creamy herbed tahini drizzle. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside without frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425g each) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup fresh parsley, packed (about 15g)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, packed (about 15g)
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ small onion (about 50g), finely chopped
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30g) or chickpea flour for gluten-free option
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml), for drizzling
- ½ cup tahini (125ml)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley and/or cilantro for drizzle
- 2–4 tablespoons water (30-60ml), to thin tahini drizzle
Instructions
- Drain and rinse canned chickpeas well. Roughly chop onion and herbs. Mince garlic. Measure spices and flour.
- In a food processor, pulse chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper until crumbly but holds together. Add flour and pulse to combine. Add more flour if mixture is too wet.
- Shape mixture into 1.5-inch diameter balls or patties using damp hands. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each.
- Brush or drizzle falafel with olive oil to coat evenly.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 7-8 minutes. Flip falafel and bake another 7-8 minutes until crisp and golden.
- While baking, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic (optional), chopped herbs, and water until smooth. Season with salt and adjust lemon as needed.
- Drizzle herbed tahini sauce over hot falafel and serve immediately with pita, fresh veggies, or salad.
Notes
Do not over-process chickpeas to avoid dense falafel. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Drizzle olive oil before baking for crispiness. Flip falafel halfway through baking for even browning. Tahini drizzle can be made ahead and stored refrigerated. Leftover falafel reheat well in toaster oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 9
Keywords: falafel, baked falafel, crispy falafel, tahini drizzle, vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean, healthy, quick dinner