Crispy Baked Falafel

$- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and thoroughly rinsed - 1 small onion, coarsely chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for additional crunch) - 1 lemon, juiced When I make crispy baked falafel, I love using simple, fresh ingredients. The chickpeas are the star. They give falafel its base and rich taste. The onion and garlic add depth and warmth. Fresh parsley and cilantro brighten the dish and bring a burst of flavor. Spices are key for that unique taste. Ground cumin and coriander give a warm, earthy tone. A pinch of paprika adds color and zest. Don’t forget salt and pepper for balance. For texture, I add baking powder. It helps the falafel rise and stay light. Olive oil keeps the mixture moist and helps it crisp up in the oven. If you want extra crunch, breadcrumbs work wonders. Lastly, a squeeze of lemon juice ties everything together with a refreshing zing. This blend of ingredients creates a tasty treat. You can find the full recipe at the top. Enjoy the process of making this healthy snack! - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare a baking sheet, lining it with parchment paper. - Use a food processor to combine all main ingredients. - Pulse until well incorporated but coarse in texture. - Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. - Arrange on the baking sheet with space in between. - Brush or spray with olive oil before baking. - Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness. This process helps create crispy baked falafel that tastes amazing. You can find the full recipe above to follow these steps easily. Enjoy the delicious flavor and healthy benefits of this treat! To make your falafel extra crispy, follow these tips: - Brush with olive oil for extra crunch: This step helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior. Just a light brush on top goes a long way! - Optionally add breadcrumbs to the mixture: Mixing in breadcrumbs gives your falafel a delightful crunch. It’s an easy way to enhance texture. Serving your falafel well enhances the experience. Here are some ideas: - Pair with warm pita bread and fresh vegetables: Fresh veggies like cucumber and tomato add a crisp bite. - Enjoy with tahini sauce or yogurt: These creamy dips complement the flavors nicely. They bring a rich, tasty balance to the meal. Avoid these pitfalls to ensure success: - Over-blending the falafel mixture: Pulse just until mixed. You want a coarse texture for the best results. Too smooth means less texture. - Not spacing falafel properly on the baking sheet: Give them room! Proper spacing allows the heat to circulate. This way, they cook evenly and stay crisp. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe to get started on your crispy baked falafel adventure! {{image_4}} You can boost the taste of your falafel with fun spices. Try cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Both will add a kick to your dish. You can also mix in veggies. Grated carrots or diced bell peppers give extra texture and taste. These simple add-ins can change the vibe of your meal. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite mix! Falafel is super versatile! For a low-carb meal, serve it in lettuce cups. It's a fun way to enjoy the crunch without the carbs. You can also make falafel bowls. Layer rice, fresh veggies, and your baked falafel for a filling meal. Top it with your favorite sauce, and you have a feast! The options are endless, so let your creativity shine. If you want to keep things vegan, double-check your ingredients. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free version. Many spices and sauces are naturally vegan-friendly. Always read labels to ensure they fit your needs. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this tasty treat without worry. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Baked Falafel section. Store any leftover falafel in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy your tasty treat again without losing flavor. If you want to save some falafel for later, freeze them before baking. Place the raw falafel balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, cook them directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. To make reheating easy and keep that crispy texture, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the falafel on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid using the microwave because it can make the falafel soggy. Keeping them crispy is key to enjoying every bite. Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy fresh falafel anytime. Just shape your falafel and place them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to cook them, bake them straight from the freezer. It saves time and effort! Brush with olive oil and bake at a high temperature. The oil helps create a crunchy outside. I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is key. This temperature ensures golden brown falafel every time. Serve with tahini sauce, fresh veggies, or in pita bread. I love adding cucumber, tomato, and lettuce for freshness. You can also drizzle tahini sauce on top for a rich flavor. Pita bread wraps the falafel nicely and makes for a fun meal! Look for a golden brown exterior and a crispy texture. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes in the oven. I always flip my falafel halfway through to ensure even cooking. If they are firm to the touch and crispy, they're ready to eat! Yes, you can prepare and store in the fridge before baking. Just shape the falafel and place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for a couple of days. When you're ready to cook, just bake as normal. This makes meal prep easy and quick! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious falafel using simple ingredients. We discussed the main components like chickpeas, herbs, and spices, and provided step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. I shared tips for achieving crispiness and avoiding common mistakes. You can also customize your falafel with additional flavors or serve them in various styles. Making falafel at home is easy and fun, so get started today and enjoy a healthy, tasty dish!$

Savor the deliciousness of crispy baked falafel with this easy and healthy recipe! Made from simple ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these falafel are packed with flavor and perfect for any meal. Discover how to achieve that perfect crunch with our step-by-step guide and impress your friends and family. Click through to explore this recipe and bring your culinary skills to the next level!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and thoroughly rinsed

1 small onion, coarsely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for additional crunch)

1 lemon, juiced

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

In your food processor, combine the rinsed chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse the mixture until everything is well incorporated, ensuring that the texture remains slightly coarse (avoid over-blending for the best consistency).

If you opt to add more crunch to your falafel, sprinkle the breadcrumbs into the mixture and pulse a few more times until they are evenly mixed in.

With your hands, carefully shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, each about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Arrange the formed falafel on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is ample space between them for even cooking.

To enhance the crispiness, lightly brush or spray the tops of the falafel with olive oil.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the falafel halfway through the cooking time to achieve a delightful golden brown and crispy exterior on both sides.

Once baked, remove the falafel from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to maintain their flavor and texture.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy baked falafel nestled in warm pita bread, accompanied by fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and lettuce. Drizzle a generous dollop of tahini sauce or yogurt on top, and garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side to add a zesty kick. Enjoy your delicious creation!