Oven-Baked Chickpea Falafel Bites
These Oven-Baked Chickpea Falafel Bites are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fried falafel. Packed with protein and fiber from chickpeas and enriched with whole grains and fresh herbs, these flavorful bites are easy to make and perfect for lunch or as a snack. The subtle crunch from sesame seeds and the aromatic spices make them irresistibly tasty, while baking them in the oven reduces excess oil, making them lighter without sacrificing flavor. Serve them with a tangy tahini sauce or a fresh salad for a nutritious meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
tinned chickpeas
3 cups (well drained)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon
finely chopped onion
1/2 cup
whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons (can substitute with all-purpose flour)
wheat germ
1/4 cup
freshly chopped parsley
1/4 cup
sesame seeds
1/4 cup
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, fresh lemon juice, and finely chopped onion. Pulse until you have a coarse mixture with some texture.
3
In a large bowl, combine the chickpea mixture with whole wheat flour, wheat germ, chopped parsley, sesame seeds, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well incorporated.
4
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball, until you have about 20 falafel bites.
5
Lightly coat the bottom of a large baking dish with vegetable oil. Place the falafel bites in the dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Gently stir the falafel bites halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
7
Once they are golden brown and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in these Oven-Baked Chickpea Falafel Bites?
The main ingredient is 3 cups of well-drained tinned chickpeas.
How are these falafels cooked?
These falafels are oven-baked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) rather than deep-fried.
How many falafel bites does this recipe produce?
The recipe makes approximately 20 falafel bites.
What size should the falafel balls be shaped into?
The mixture should be shaped into small balls roughly the size of a golf ball.
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour if preferred.
What is the total baking time for the falafel bites?
The bites should be baked for a total of 15 minutes.
Do I need to turn the falafel bites while they are baking?
Yes, you should gently stir or turn the falafel bites halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
What equipment is needed to prepare the chickpea mixture?
A food processor is used to pulse the chickpeas, lemon juice, and onion into a coarse mixture.
What are the key health benefits of this recipe?
These falafel bites are high in protein and fiber, and they are lighter than traditional versions because they use less oil by being baked.
What should the consistency of the pulsed chickpea mixture be?
The mixture should be coarse with some texture remaining, rather than a smooth puree.
What serving suggestions are recommended for these falafels?
They are delicious served with a tangy tahini sauce or a fresh salad.
Are there any seeds in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of sesame seeds for a subtle crunch.
What spices are used to flavor the bites?
The recipe uses garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning.
Do I need to use fresh herbs?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley.
Is wheat germ required for this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of wheat germ is added to enrich the bites with whole grains.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
What kind of oil should I use for the baking dish?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the baking dish.
Should the onion be cooked before adding it to the food processor?
No, the 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion is added raw to the food processor with the chickpeas.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What color should the falafel bites be when they are done?
They should be golden brown and crisp when they are ready to be removed from the oven.
Can these be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they are perfect as a healthy snack or as part of a lunch meal.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and lightly coat the baking dish with vegetable oil.
Does the recipe contain any sodium or cholesterol information?
The provided nutritional data for sodium and cholesterol is null, but the ingredients themselves determine the levels.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients in this recipe.
Should I cool the falafel before serving?
Yes, let them cool slightly after removing them from the oven before serving.
What is the primary benefit of baking instead of frying these falafels?
Baking reduces the amount of excess oil, making the bites lighter without sacrificing the traditional flavor.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under healthy snacks, lunch recipes, and vegetarian dishes.
How do I mix the dry and wet ingredients?
Combine the pulsed chickpea mixture with the flour, wheat germ, parsley, seeds, and spices in a large bowl and mix until well incorporated.
Is this a high-protein recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a high-protein recipe due to the chickpea content.
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of tinned?
This specific recipe is formulated for 3 cups of well-drained tinned chickpeas.