Crispy Baked Chickpea Falafel
Enjoy the delightful flavor and texture of these Crispy Baked Chickpea Falafel, a healthier alternative to traditional pan-fried versions. These falafels maintain their shape beautifully and are packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious option for lunch or snacks. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, each bite is bursting with the earthy flavors of cumin and coriander, complemented by fresh parsley and garlic. Perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside, they can be served on a warm pita, alongside a vibrant salad, or drizzled with tahini sauce. Ideal for meal prep, these chickpea falafels are naturally gluten-free when you use gluten-free ingredients, making them a versatile dish that everyone can enjoy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried chickpeas
3/4 cup (soaked overnight)
large onion
1 (roughly chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (roughly chopped)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (roughly chopped)
cumin seeds
1 teaspoon (crushed)
coriander seeds
1 teaspoon (crushed)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
olive oil
as needed (for coating)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the dried chickpeas in a large bowl and soaking them in plenty of cold water overnight, ensuring they are fully submerged.
2
Once soaked, drain and rinse the chickpeas well. Carefully inspect them for any discolored or bad-looking ones and discard.
3
Transfer the soaked chickpeas into a large saucepan, covering them with fresh water. Bring to a rapid boil for ten minutes, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about one hour, or until the chickpeas are tender. Drain thoroughly.
4
In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, roughly chopped onion, garlic cloves, parsley, crushed cumin, crushed coriander, baking powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. Process the mixture until it reaches a firm, coarse paste; this should not be too smooth.
5
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
6
Using your hands, divide the mixture into walnut-sized portions and roll them into balls, then flatten them gently to form patties.
7
Lightly coat the formed falafel with olive oil, ensuring they are well covered, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until the falafels are golden brown and crispy.
9
Serve the baked falafel warm, accompanied by tahini sauce, fresh salad, or in pita bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Crispy Baked Chickpea Falafel, a healthy alternative to traditional fried falafel.
Is this falafel recipe fried?
No, these falafels are baked in the oven to make them a healthier option while remaining crispy.
How long should I soak the dried chickpeas?
The dried chickpeas should be soaked in cold water overnight, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Do I need to cook the chickpeas after soaking?
Yes, after soaking, you should boil them for ten minutes and then simmer for about one hour until tender.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 180°C or 350°F.
How long do the falafels need to bake?
They should bake for approximately 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, these falafels are naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are plant-based and vegan-friendly.
What should the texture of the falafel mixture be?
The mixture should be processed into a firm, coarse paste; it should not be blended until completely smooth.
What herbs and spices provide the flavor?
The primary flavors come from fresh parsley, crushed cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds, and garlic.
How do I ensure the falafels are crispy?
Lightly coat the formed falafel patties with olive oil before placing them in the oven.
What should I serve with these falafels?
They are delicious served with tahini sauce, fresh salad, or inside warm pita bread.
Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?
This specific recipe calls for dried chickpeas that are soaked and cooked for the best texture.
Why is baking powder used in the recipe?
Baking powder helps give the falafel a lighter, slightly airy internal texture.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 roughly chopped garlic cloves.
What size should the falafel balls be?
The mixture should be divided into walnut-sized portions and then flattened into patties.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, these baked falafels are ideal for meal prep and can be enjoyed for lunches or snacks.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion, roughly chopped.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of fresh parsley for the best flavor and color.
How do I prepare the cumin and coriander?
The cumin seeds and coriander seeds should be crushed before being added to the food processor.
What color should the falafels be when finished?
They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Do I need parchment paper?
Yes, lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and helps with cleanup.
How much dried chickpeas do I need?
You will need 3/4 cup of dried chickpeas.
What is the purpose of flipping them halfway through?
Flipping them ensures that both sides become equally golden brown and crispy.
Are these falafels high in protein?
Yes, since they are made with chickpeas, they are packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
What should I look for when rinsing the soaked chickpeas?
Carefully inspect them and discard any chickpeas that are discolored or look bad.
Is olive oil used in the dough?
No, olive oil is used to coat the exterior of the formed patties to help them crisp up while baking.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
A food processor is recommended to achieve the specific coarse paste texture required for falafel.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and ground black pepper, or to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients total: chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.