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To make crispy baked falafel, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, thoroughly drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, chopped into large pieces - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for drizzling) - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative) - Juice of 1 medium lemon These ingredients form the base of your falafel. The chickpeas give it a rich texture, while herbs add freshness. You can enhance your falafel with some optional ingredients. Here are some ideas: - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky taste - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat - ½ cup grated carrots for added sweetness - ½ cup diced bell peppers for a crunchy bite These add-ins can elevate your dish. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Each ingredient brings its own health perks. Here’s a rundown: - Chickpeas: High in protein and fiber, great for digestion. - Parsley: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It also adds iron and antioxidants. - Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties. It can help lower blood pressure, too. - Olive oil: A healthy fat that supports heart health. - Lemon juice: High in vitamin C, it aids in digestion and keeps skin healthy. Using these wholesome ingredients makes your falafel not just tasty but healthy, too. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup and prevents sticking. In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Also, include ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is combined but still slightly chunky. This texture is key for good falafel. Then, add olive oil, flour, and lemon juice to the chickpea mix. Pulse again until all ingredients blend well. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more flour. You want it to hold shape well. With wet hands, scoop out portions of the chickpea mix. Shape them into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches across. Place them on your lined baking sheet. To help them crisp up, lightly drizzle a little more olive oil on top. This will give them a nice golden color as they bake. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the falafel halfway through cooking. This ensures they brown evenly on both sides. Once they look golden and crispy, take them out. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them keep their shape. For the full recipe, refer to the previous sections. Enjoy these delicious bites! To get that perfect crispy texture, follow these tips: - Use dry chickpeas: Start with dried chickpeas instead of canned ones. Soak them overnight to keep moisture low. - Don’t over-process: Blend the mix until just combined. You want some chunks for texture. - Add oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps the exterior crisp up nicely. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of: - Too much moisture: If your mixture is wet, your falafel will be soggy. Add more flour to fix this. - Not flipping: Always flip your falafel halfway through baking for even crispiness. - Skipping the baking powder: This ingredient helps the falafel rise, making them light and airy. Serve your crispy baked falafel with these tasty ideas: - Dips: Pair with tahini sauce or tzatziki for a creamy contrast. - Salads: Add them to a fresh salad for crunch. - Wraps: Use warm pita bread to create a delicious wrap. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_4}} You can easily make gluten-free crispy baked falafel. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This change keeps the falafel crispy and tasty. Many brands offer great gluten-free options. You can also use chickpea flour, which adds even more flavor. Just make sure to check labels for any hidden gluten ingredients. Herbs and spices can change the flavor of your falafel. Try adding fresh dill, cilantro, or mint for a different taste. You can also use spices like smoked paprika or turmeric. These will add warmth and color to your dish. Feel free to adjust the herbs based on what you have at home. The more you experiment, the more you can find your perfect flavor mix. Adding veggies is a fun way to change the texture of your falafel. Grate carrots or zucchini and mix them into the chickpea blend. You can also add finely chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. Just be careful not to add too much moisture. You want your falafel to hold together well. This tip makes your dish healthier and more colorful. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above and get cooking! To keep your leftover baked falafel fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure they cool down before sealing the container. This helps maintain their texture. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat your falafel in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will help restore their crispy texture. You can also use an air fryer for faster results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the falafel cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep them tasty and fresh. Baked falafel uses less oil than fried falafel. Baked falafel is often healthier and lower in calories. Fried falafel has a rich, crispy shell but adds more fat. Baked falafel can still be crispy if made right. Both types use chickpeas and spices for flavor. You can tell falafel is done when it is golden brown. The outside should feel firm and crispy. When you cut one open, it should be warm and hold its shape. If it's mushy inside, it needs more baking time. Trust your eyes and touch to check for readiness. Yes! You can prepare the falafel mixture ahead of time. Shape it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to bake it when you are ready to eat. You can also bake them and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy. - Full Recipe: Crispy Baked Falafel In this blog post, we covered how to make crispy baked falafel, from essential ingredients to serving suggestions. You learned about the nutritional benefits and add-ins for flavor. We provided step-by-step instructions to shape and bake the falafel. I shared tips for achieving the perfect texture and avoiding common mistakes. Also, we explored variations to suit different diets. Finally, we covered how to store and reheat leftovers. Enjoy making falafel that’s tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare!

Crispy Baked Falafel

Enjoy the delicious and healthy flavors of crispy baked falafel with this easy recipe! Made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices, these golden bites are perfect for a nutritious meal or snack. Discover how to achieve the perfect crispy texture in just 40 minutes!Click through to explore and start cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

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

1 small onion, chopped into large pieces

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for drizzling)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)

Juice of 1 medium lemon

Instructions
 

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

    In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is well combined but still has some texture, ensuring it remains slightly chunky for great falafel structure.

      Next, add the olive oil, flour, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the chickpea blend. Pulse the mixture several times until all ingredients are fully incorporated. If you find the mixture too wet to hold shape, gradually introduce a touch more flour until it achieves a moldable consistency.

        With your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into small patties or balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange these on the prepared baking sheet. To enhance crispiness, lightly drizzle or spray the surface of the falafel with additional olive oil.

          Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip the falafel halfway through cooking so they brown evenly on both sides, achieving a golden and crispy exterior.

            Once baked, remove the falafel from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to retain their shape.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Create a beautiful display by serving the crispy baked falafel on a large, inviting platter. Garnish generously with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Pair with a side of creamy tahini sauce or refreshing tzatziki for dipping. To complete your meal, consider adding a light salad or warm pita bread, making it a delightful feast.