Ah, delicious, crispy falafel—a go-to food for just about everyone, especially those committed to a plant-based diet. What is falafel? This classic dish can be traced back 1,000 years to Egyptian cultural food traditions, and later spread to the Middle East where it became a mainstay. With a base of earthy, nutritious chickpeas, spices and herbs, falafel is a hearty, protein-packed recipe that can be the star of your plate. Traditionally, falafel (little balls of chickpea batter) are fried in oil. However, in this quick and easy oven-roasted falafel recipe, I skip the oil. This fabulous recipe can be whipped up quickly by just combining a batch based on canned chickpeas, herbs, spices, flour, sesame seeds and a quick brush of olive oil (you can omit it if you prefer) and pop it in the oven ! You can make this easy oven-roasted falafel recipe in the food processor in about 10 minutes, and it takes about 25-30 minutes to bake. Serve them with a delicious falafel dressing like tahini, savory hummus, or ranch dressing for fun. This falafel recipe is also delicious served with pita bread and a falafel sandwich. Watch me making this recipe on Instagram here. enjoy!
Nutrition Notes
Is falafel healthy? The answer is unanimously yes! This traditional plant-based food is rich in plant-based protein, fiber, iron and magnesium. This special oven-baked falafel recipe is also low in added fat and sodium. Is falafel vegetarian? Usually falafel is vegetarian, but this recipe is completely plant-based (vegan). Are falafel gluten-free? This falafel recipe can also be easily made gluten-free with one swap.
Step by step guide:
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Make your own falafel from scratch with this super easy oven-baked falafel recipe that bakes in just 30 minutes and serves in falafel sandwiches or falafel bowls.
- In the bowl of a food processor, place rinsed, drained chickpeas, parsley, garlic, onion, ¼ cup sesame seeds, lemon juice, cumin, chili powder, coriander, cardamom, black pepper, salt (optional) optional) and 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional). Process until smooth. You may need to pause to scrape down the sides and repeat the process. It should make a very thick mixture that is chopped but not liquefied.
- Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in the flour to form a thick mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight).
- Preheat oven to 375 F. Scoop up the mixture and roll into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter with your hands (dip your hands in flour to avoid sticking). Flatten them slightly into a disk shape, about 3/4 inch thick. Place on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Brush the top of each falafel with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil (optional). Sprinkle remaining tablespoon sesame seeds over top.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Makes 24 falafels. (Recommended serving size, 3 falafels per serving)
- Serve with tahini, yogurt or hummus as an appetizer, main course or sandwich filling.
notes
Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- category: dinner
- gourmet food: Middle East, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving size: 1 serving
- Calories: 185
- sugar: 3 grams
- sodium: 137 mg
- fat: 8 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 g
- carbohydrate: 23 grams
- fiber: 5 grams
- protein: 7 grams
Keywords: vegetarian falafel, falafel, simple falafel
For more plant-based recipes featuring chickpeas, check out these recipes:
Instant Pot Chickpea Curry
Vegan Chickpea Falafel
Creamy Chickpea Curry
Chickpea Tabbouleh Salad
Moroccan Chickpea Sorghum Bowl
Moroccan Chickpea Freekeh Eggplant Skillet
Easy Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
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