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 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Whole wheat pita or lettuce leaves for serving - Optional: tahini sauce or yogurt for drizzling You can swap dried chickpeas for canned ones if you're short on time. Just rinse them well before using. If you don't have fresh herbs, try using dried ones. The flavor may change a bit, but they still work well. Each serving has about 180 calories. You get around 10 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, and 24 grams of carbs. This makes falafel a great choice for a balanced meal. Chickpeas are rich in fiber and protein. They help keep you full and energized. The fresh herbs add vitamins and minerals. Parsley and cilantro can aid digestion and boost your immune system. Spices like cumin and coriander not only add flavor but also have antioxidant properties. These spices can help reduce inflammation and improve your overall health. Enjoying these crispy baked falafels gives you a tasty meal that’s good for you! Soaking chickpeas is key for making falafel. Dried chickpeas need to soak overnight. This softens them, making them easier to blend. Draining and rinsing is just as important. After soaking, drain the chickpeas well. Rinse them under cold water. This helps remove any grit and ensures a clean taste. Using a food processor makes blending easy. Start by adding the drained chickpeas, onion, garlic, and herbs. Next, add cumin, coriander, baking soda, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it's coarsely chopped. You want it to hold together when formed into a ball. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water. If too wet, add a bit more chickpea flour. Shaping falafel is fun! Use your hands to form small balls, about 1.5 inches wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle olive oil over the falafel. This helps them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, flip them for even cooking. They are done when golden brown and crispy outside. Enjoy them warm in pita or lettuce leaves. To get crispy falafel, you must coat them in oil. This helps them brown nicely. Use about two tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure to turn each ball in the oil, so they are fully coated. Baking techniques also matter. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the falafel for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness. They should look golden brown and feel firm. Avoid over-blending your mixture. If you blend too much, it becomes mushy. You want a coarse texture that holds together. Also, don’t skip seasoning. Taste as you go to get the right flavor. Chilling the mixture is key. If you don’t chill it for at least 30 minutes, the falafel may fall apart when baking. Chilling helps them firm up and keeps them intact. Serve your crispy baked falafel with tasty sides. Tahini sauce is a classic choice. It adds a creamy touch. You can also use yogurt for a tangy flavor. For presentation, use a vibrant platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Adding pickled vegetables can bring color and extra flavor. This makes your meal not just tasty but also beautiful to look at. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your falafel by using different herbs and spices. Try adding fresh mint for a refreshing twist. If you want heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also mix in spices like smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Incorporating vegetables into the mixture is a fun way to add nutrition. Grated carrots or zucchini can make the falafel even more colorful and tasty. Just make sure to squeeze out excess water from any veggies to keep the mixture from getting too wet. If you need a gluten-free option, serve falafel in lettuce wraps instead of pita. Romaine or butter lettuce works well. You can also make a delicious falafel salad with greens and your favorite toppings. For a vegan-friendly sauce, swap out yogurt for tahini or a simple avocado dressing. These creamy alternatives will still add richness without the dairy. You could also mix lemon juice with olive oil for a light dressing. Serving your falafel inside pita is classic and easy. Fill it with fresh veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens. If you prefer a lighter option, create a falafel salad bowl. Start with a base of greens and layer on falafel, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle your favorite sauce on top for added flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these variations to find your favorite way to serve crispy baked falafel! To keep your leftover falafel fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic works well. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. This helps keep them crispy. You can freeze both raw and cooked falafel. For raw falafel, shape them, then place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last for about three months. For cooked falafel, let them cool, then store in a freezer bag. They also last three months. To reheat, bake or pan-fry until hot. To keep falafel crispy, reheating in the oven is best. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place falafel on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. You can also use a toaster oven for smaller batches. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy. Always check for warmth inside, ensuring a tasty bite! Yes, you can use canned chickpeas. Just rinse and drain them well. Canned chickpeas have more moisture. You may need to adjust the baking time. A shorter bake may help them stay crispier. To add heat, mix in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also try adding diced jalapeños. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. A little goes a long way, so start small. Crispy baked falafel pairs well with fresh salads or dips. Serve with tahini sauce, yogurt, or hummus. Whole wheat pita or lettuce wraps make great vessels too. Add a side of pickled veggies for more crunch. Look for a golden brown color on the outside. They should feel firm but not hard. A crispy texture is key, so check for that. Let them cool slightly before serving for the best taste. Yes, you can prepare falafel in advance. Form the balls and chill them in the fridge. Bake them right before serving for fresh flavor. This makes them perfect for parties or meal prep. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. You now know how to make delicious falafel from scratch. We covered the essential ingredients, with tips on swaps and measurements. The step-by-step guide helped you prep, blend, shape, and bake perfectly crispy falafel. Don't forget the variations that let you tailor the flavor to your taste. Lastly, the storage tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh. Enjoy creating these healthy, tasty bites, and share them with friends or family. Happy cooking!$

Discover how to make deliciously crispy baked falafel with this easy recipe! Packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices, these flavorful bites are perfect for a healthy meal. From preparation to baking, enjoy step-by-step instructions that guide you to golden perfection. Serve them in pita or lettuce wraps for a tasty twist. Click through for the full recipe and bring a burst of flavor to your table!

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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

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Whole wheat pita or lettuce leaves for serving

Optional: tahini sauce or yogurt for drizzling

Instructions

Prep Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Make sure they are well-drained before proceeding.

Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely blended and holds together when formed into a ball.

Chill the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and allows the mixture to firm up for easier shaping.

Shape Falafel: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Form the chilled mixture into small balls or patties about 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Coat with Olive Oil: Drizzle the formed falafel with olive oil, turning them gently to fully coat. This will ensure they get crispy while baking.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until the falafel are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve in whole wheat pita with fresh veggies, or spoon them into lettuce leaves for a gluten-free option. Drizzle with tahini sauce or yogurt if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the falafel in a vibrant platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. You can also add pickled vegetables for an extra touch of color and flavor.