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Oven-Baked Falafel Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 69 reviews

This Oven-Baked Falafel recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Middle Eastern favorite by baking instead of frying. Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices, these falafels are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Serve with tahini sauce, hummus, and fresh vegetables for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Falafel Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked dried chickpeas
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon chickpea flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup parsley leaves
  • 3/4 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill
  • 1 small yellow onion, quartered
  • 7 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for coating

Optional Serving Ingredients

  • Tahini Sauce
  • Hummus
  • Pita pockets
  • Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad or sliced cucumber and tomatoes
  • Baby arugula
  • Pickles such as pickled turnips

Instructions

  1. Soak Chickpeas: Begin by soaking the dried chickpeas in a large bowl filled with water overnight or for at least 12 hours. This softens them, making them easier to blend and digest.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush it with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking and aid crisping.
  3. Process Chickpeas and Herbs: Drain the soaked chickpeas well. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, baking soda, chickpea flour, baking powder, parsley, cilantro, dill, quartered onion, garlic cloves, black pepper, cumin, coriander, cayenne if using, and kosher salt. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse, grainy paste that holds together but is not pureed smooth.
  4. Form Falafel Balls: Use your hands to shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each ball in sesame seeds to coat the outside for extra texture and flavor.
  5. Place and Coat Falafel on Baking Sheet: Arrange the falafel on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Lightly brush or spray the tops with extra virgin olive oil to help them brown and crisp in the oven.
  6. Bake the Falafel: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. The falafels should be golden brown and crispy outside while tender in the center.
  7. Serve: Serve hot with optional sides such as tahini sauce, hummus, fresh pita pockets, cucumber tomato salad, arugula, and pickles for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Soaking chickpeas overnight is essential; canned chickpeas will not yield the same texture.
  • Using a food processor helps achieve the proper falafel texture, but avoid over-processing to keep some bite.
  • Brushing the falafel with olive oil before baking is key for a crispy exterior without frying.
  • Tahini sauce and fresh vegetables make great accompaniments but are optional.
  • Adding cayenne is optional based on your preference for heat.

Keywords: oven baked falafel, healthy falafel, baked falafel recipe, Middle Eastern falafel, vegetarian falafel, homemade falafel

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/oven-baked-falafel-recipe/