Best Baked Falafel

A healthy take on a popular Middle Eastern street food.

About This Baked Falafel Recipe

Falafel is traditionally a deep-fried street food style dish but in order to make it a more healthy option this recipe is baked. Like traditional falafel, these are made with chickpeas, herbs, and spices. The dish is vegetarian and often shaped into a ball or flat patty. Baked falafel is a medley of complex flavors but the dish itself is easy, I promise!

Kokoro Health and Fitness falafel meal prep

Falafel is also a great meal prep item as they keep well in the fridge, are delicious both warm and cold, and can also be frozen for longer storage.

They can be eaten on their own, rolled into a wrap, served on flatbread, stuffed in a pita, made into a “burger” patty, and easily shared like an appetizer among friends! 

Falafel pairs well with tahini, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, Mediterranean rice, feta cheese, and shatta. I have it plated above on homemade flatbreads and spinach, topped with a greek yogurt and feta cheese sauce, a dollop of avocado, and served with a side of Mediterranean rice. 

Why Falafels Are Amazing

Besides being incredibly delicious, falafel is also excellent because it contains protein, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the benefits include:

Chickpea

    • Packed with protein, amino acids, and  fiber which make you feel full for longer
    • Fairly low glycemic load promoting blood sugar management
    • Soluble fiber increases healthy bacteria in your gut
    • Magnesium and potassium support heart health

Parsley

    • Natural diuretic promotes healthy blood pressure
    • Supports bone health with Vitamin K
    • Antioxidants and eye health from Vitamin A

Cilantro

    • Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties
    • Mood booster
    • Anit-inflammatory 

Onion

    • Antioxidant
    • Anit-inflammatory 
    • Supports gut health

If you make this recipe don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes y’all have made is my favorite!

Best Baked Falafel

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Servings 4 (serving size = 3 falafel)

Calories per Serving 225

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for coating the baking sheet
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas, rinsed and soaked overnight on the counter OR 2 cans of chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley (leaves and small stems are ok)
  • 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro (leaves and small stems are ok)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne (optional)

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Step 1

    With an oven rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 375˚ F. Coat the baking sheet with olive oil.

    Step 2
    In a food processor, combine the soaked and drained chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, olive oil, and cayenne (if using). Process until smooth.
    Step 3
    Using your hands, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape the falafel into small patties, about ½ inch thick. Place each falafel on the oiled pan.
    Step 4
    Bake for 15 minutes, flip the falafels and return to the oven for 10-15 more minutes. Bake until the falafels are deeply golden on both sides.
    Step 5
    Garnish and enjoy!

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