Crispy Baked Falafel

$- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 2 teaspoons ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup flour (whole wheat or all-purpose) - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons olive oil The key to making crispy baked falafel starts with dried chickpeas. Soaking them overnight makes them soft and easy to blend. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro bring brightness to your falafel. The spices, such as cumin and coriander, add deep flavors that make each bite delicious. - Additional vegetables - Different herbs for flavor You can add more fun to your falafel. For example, try adding grated zucchini or carrots for extra veggies. You can also swap in other herbs, like dill or mint, for a unique taste. These choices let you customize your falafel to fit your mood. - Gluten-free alternatives for flour - Low-sodium options If you need gluten-free falafel, use chickpea flour instead of regular flour. This gives a great texture and keeps it tasty. For a lower sodium dish, cut back on salt or use a salt-free seasoning blend. These swaps help make the dish fit your dietary needs while keeping it flavorful. For the Full Recipe, check out the detailed steps to create your crispy baked falafel! - Start by soaking 1 cup of dried chickpeas overnight. This step softens the beans. They will blend better in the food processor. - After soaking, drain and rinse the chickpeas under cold water. This removes any dirt or residue. - In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, 1 small chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Add 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, salt, and pepper to taste. - Pulse the mixture until finely ground but not pureed. You want a texture that holds together but is not mushy. Scrape down the sides as needed to mix well. - Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of flour. Stir until combined. If too wet, add more flour until it holds together. - Form the mix into small balls or patties, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the falafel or lightly brush it on for a crisp finish. - Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through baking for even crispiness. They should turn golden brown and crispy on both sides. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections! To get that perfect crispy texture, oil is key. You should apply a light coat of olive oil on your falafel before baking. This helps the outside become golden and crunchy. Use a brush or drizzle it over the balls. Bake your falafel at a high temperature of 400°F (200°C). This heat will ensure they crisp up nicely. Flip them halfway through baking. This way, both sides get equal heat and crispness. To spice up your falafel, consider adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat. You can also mix in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. These small changes can make a big difference. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor. Besides parsley and cilantro, try adding dill or mint. These will brighten up your falafel and make them extra tasty. Falafel pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal. It also goes great with pita bread. You can stuff it in the bread for a fun wrap. For sauces, tahini is a classic choice. Its creaminess complements the crisp falafel. Tzatziki is another excellent option. The coolness of yogurt balances the spices perfectly. Don’t forget to check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_2}} You can make your falafel more exciting. Add some chili or cayenne pepper for heat. This gives your falafel a nice kick. You can also use Middle Eastern spice blends. Try za'atar or sumac for a new flavor. These spices boost the taste and make each bite special. Falafel makes a great filling for wraps. Use pita bread and add fresh veggies. You can also serve falafel in salads. Toss them on greens with a tasty dressing. This makes for a fresh and crunchy meal. You can mix and match your favorite toppings for variety. If you follow a vegan diet, this recipe is perfect. The chickpeas provide protein and fiber. For nut-free versions, avoid any nut-based sauces. Use tahini or yogurt as a dip instead. These options keep the meal safe and delicious for everyone. So, enjoy this crispy baked falafel as a healthy snack or meal. Find the full recipe above to get started! Store your crispy baked falafel in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. It helps maintain crispiness. Keep the container in the fridge. You can freeze falafel for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To reheat, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This restores their crispiness. In the fridge, falafel lasts about 4-5 days. Look for signs of spoilage. If they smell sour or have a slimy texture, toss them out. If frozen, they can last for up to three months. Check for freezer burn before eating. You can store the falafel mixture before baking. Keep it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. This mixture stays good for up to 24 hours in the fridge. If you want to pre-bake, shape the falafel and freeze them. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen. Then transfer to a bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make crispy baked falafel, follow these key steps: - Soak 1 cup of dried chickpeas overnight. - Blend soaked chickpeas with onion, garlic, parsley, and spices. - Add baking powder, lemon juice, and flour to the mix. - Shape the mixture into small balls. - Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. - Flip halfway for even crispiness. These steps ensure you achieve a tasty, crispy texture. The right blend of herbs and spices makes the falafel flavorful. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the process. Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. However, adjustments are needed: - Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas before use. - Use about 1.5 cups of canned chickpeas. - Reduce the flour slightly, as canned chickpeas are moister. This helps maintain the right texture for your falafel. Remember that the flavor may vary a bit due to the different processing of canned chickpeas. Crispy baked falafel pairs well with several sides: - Serve with tahini sauce for a creamy dip. - Add a side of tzatziki for a refreshing touch. - Place them in pita bread with veggies for a wrap. - Enjoy with a salad for a lighter meal. These combinations make for a well-rounded meal. Each option enhances the falafel's flavor and adds to your dining experience. You can tell falafel is done by checking these signs: - Look for a golden-brown color on both sides. - The texture should be crispy on the outside. - The inside should feel firm and not mushy. These signs indicate that your falafel is ready to enjoy. Proper baking ensures a delicious crunch and a delightful bite. This recipe can be made gluten-free easily: - Substitute regular flour with chickpea flour or gluten-free flour. - Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. These options maintain the flavor while catering to gluten-free diets. It's a simple switch that keeps your falafel tasty and suitable for more people. In this article, we explored how to make crispy baked falafel with easy steps. We covered the main ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices. I shared tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. You also learned how to adapt the recipe for diets and different tastes. Try making falafel your way, with various herbs and spices. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and healthy benefits. Your kitchen will smell great, and your taste buds will be happy!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of crispy baked falafel that’s healthier and equally tasty! Made from simple ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these falafels are packed with flavor. Perfect for a light meal or snack, simply follow our easy instructions to create golden, crispy falafel that everyone will love. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking skills today!

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Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas, then place them in a food processor along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.

Pulse the mixture until it’s finely ground but not pureed—scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure everything is mixed well.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add baking powder, lemon juice, and flour. Stir until combined. If the mixture seems too wet, add a bit more flour until it holds together.

Shape the mixture into small balls or patties (about the size of a golf ball) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Drizzle the olive oil over the falafel or lightly brush it on.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy falafel on a platter, garnishing with fresh herbs, and serve with a side of tahini sauce or a refreshing tzatziki. Enjoy with pita bread or in a salad for a delightful meal!