Crispy Baked Falafel

$- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight) - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 tsp ground cumin - 1 tsp ground coriander - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (more if needed) These ingredients create a tasty mix for falafel. The dried chickpeas give the best texture. Soak them overnight to soften. This step is key, as it helps the falafel form well. Fresh herbs add a bright taste. I love using parsley and cilantro for great flavor. The spices like cumin and coriander bring warmth and depth. Baking soda helps the falafel rise, giving it a light texture. Adding olive oil and lemon juice keeps the mix moist. Whole wheat flour binds everything together. Adjust the flour if the mix seems too wet. You want to shape falafel easily. This simple list gives you all you need for crispy baked falafel. You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. Soaking dried chickpeas overnight is key. This process softens them and helps them blend well. If you skip this step, your falafel may not hold together. Dried chickpeas give the best texture. Canned chickpeas can work, but they may make your falafel too wet. If you do use canned, drain and rinse them well. A food processor is your best friend here. It helps you get the right mix without turning it into mush. First, add soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, and herbs to the bowl. Pulse them until coarse. Then, mix in spices like cumin and coriander. This is where the flavor really comes alive. Don’t forget the baking soda; it helps with texture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once mixed, transfer everything to a bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and whole wheat flour. If the mix feels too wet, add a little more flour until it holds together. When shaping falafel, aim for small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches wide. This size helps them cook evenly. Make sure to space them nicely on the baking sheet to avoid sticking. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil. This adds crispiness that you will love. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway for even browning. Once golden brown, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips! To make your falafel crispy, first, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the falafel brown nicely. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. Baking soda plays a key role in texture. It makes your falafel light and fluffy. The tiny bubbles it creates help them rise while baking. This gives you a nice crunch on the outside. One mistake is overprocessing or underprocessing the mixture. You want a coarse mix, not a paste. Pulse just enough in your food processor. Another issue is not using enough flour. If your mixture feels too wet, add more flour. This helps the falafel hold their shape. Crispy baked falafel pairs well with many sides. Try serving them with tahini sauce or yogurt sauce for a tasty dip. You can also fill pita pockets with falafel, fresh veggies, and sauce. For a lighter option, serve them on a salad. Add greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a fresh twist. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. {{image_2}} You can make crispy baked falafel fit various diets. For gluten-free options, use chickpea flour instead of whole wheat flour. This switch keeps the falafel soft and tasty. It also adds a nice nutty flavor. You can also swap in almond flour or oat flour. Both work well and keep the dish gluten-free. For vegan-friendly substitutes, this recipe is already a great choice. The main ingredients are plant-based. If you want a creamier texture, add a spoonful of tahini instead of olive oil. This adds a rich flavor while still keeping it vegan. Adding more spices can give your falafel a unique taste. You might try smoked paprika, turmeric, or even a pinch of cinnamon. Each spice brings a different flavor profile. You can also mix in diced veggies like bell peppers or spinach. These additions keep the falafel moist and add extra nutrients. Incorporating nuts or seeds is another fun way to change the texture. Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds add a nice crunch. They also enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish. Experiment with different combinations to find what you enjoy best. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Baked Falafel above. To keep your crispy baked falafel fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. If you have a lot, divide them into smaller portions. This way, you can grab what you need without exposing the whole batch. - In the fridge: Store falafel for up to 4 days. - In the freezer: You can store them for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the container with the date. When it’s time to enjoy leftover falafel, reheating is key. You want to keep that crispy texture. - Oven method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. - Skillet method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil. Cook the falafel for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy. To prevent drying out, don’t cover them while reheating. Enjoy your delicious falafel just like when they were freshly baked! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Baked Falafel section. Baked falafel is often healthier than fried falafel. Baking uses less oil, reducing calories and fat. You'll enjoy a lighter dish without losing flavor. Baking also keeps the texture crisp on the outside and soft inside. Yes, you can prepare falafel ahead of time. Shape the falafel balls and store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to bake them straight from the freezer. This way, you won't lose any taste or texture. You can tell falafel is done when it's golden brown. Look for a crispy outer layer. Gently press on a ball; it should feel firm. If it looks dry and golden, it's ready to eat! Enjoy the savory flavor in every bite. In this article, we explored how to make crispy baked falafel. We covered essential ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices. You learned about soaking chickpeas and mixing textures for the perfect bite. Key tips helped you avoid common mistakes and achieve crispiness, while serving suggestions added flavor. Remember, you can adjust recipes for dietary needs and store leftovers for later. Making delicious falafel at home is simple and fun. Try it out and enjoy your culinary success!$

Discover how to make crispy baked falafel that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices for a healthy, delicious treat. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy these golden brown bites served in pita or on a salad.

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Ingredients

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup whole wheat flour (more if needed)

Instructions

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

In a food processor, add the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pulse until you achieve a coarse mixture (but do not puree).

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the olive oil, lemon juice, and whole wheat flour. Mix well until combined. If the mixture seems too wet, gradually add more flour until it holds together.

Using your hands, form small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) or patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.

Lightly brush or spray the tops of the falafel with olive oil for extra crispiness.

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

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy baked falafel in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce, or on a bed of greens with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a fresh salad twist.