Description
This Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce recipe offers a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried falafel by baking the chickpea patties to golden perfection. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, these falafels are moist yet crispy, paired perfectly with a creamy, tangy tahini sauce. Ideal for a vegetarian or vegan meal, this dish is perfect for serving as a main, side, or in pita pockets for a nutritious and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Falafel
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for better texture)
Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well-blended but still retains some chunkiness to maintain texture; avoid over-processing into a smooth paste.
- Form the Falafel Balls: Add lemon juice, olive oil, and baking powder to the chickpea mixture. If the mixture feels too wet to shape, gradually add breadcrumbs to bind it better. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties approximately 1-2 inches in diameter. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Falafel: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the falafel halfway through baking. This ensures both sides become golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, optionally brush or lightly spray the falafel with olive oil before baking.
- Prepare the Tahini Sauce: While the falafel bakes, prepare the sauce by whisking together the tahini, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with additional water if needed so it becomes smooth and pourable.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the baked falafel hot accompanied by the creamy tahini sauce. These falafels are delicious on their own, stuffed in pita bread, or served over a fresh salad as part of a Mediterranean platter.
Notes
- For extra binding, breadcrumbs are optional but helpful if your mixture feels too loose.
- Do not over-process the chickpea mixture to maintain a good falafel texture.
- Flipping the falafel halfway through baking promotes even crispiness on all sides.
- You can add a bit of olive oil on top before baking for a more golden crust.
- Tahini sauce consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less water to suit your preference.
- Falafel can be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: baked falafel, tahini sauce, vegan falafel, Mediterranean recipe, healthy falafel, chickpea patties, vegetarian appetizer
