Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – there’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked falafel. Whether you’re serving them as street food-style snacks or incorporating them into a delicious meal, these Middle Eastern treats are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouth-watering crispy falafel recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From classic combinations to innovative twists and flavorful dips, we’ve got you covered.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, get ready to elevate your falafel game with these incredible recipes.
Classic Crispy Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Experience the authentic flavors of the Middle East with this crispy and flavorful falafel recipe, served with a rich and creamy tahini sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chickpeas
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Tahini sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, breadcrumbs, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until coarsely chopped.
3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry falafel for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Tahini Sauce:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 1/4 cup water
– Garlic powder to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Serve falafel warm with tahini sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including frying time)
Spicy Harissa Falafel Wraps
Add a Middle Eastern twist to your meal with these crispy, spicy falafel wraps, perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons harissa
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 pita breads
– Optional: lettuce, tomato, pickled turnips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chickpeas, flour, parsley, scallions, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add garlic and harissa; mix well.
4. Using your hands, shape mixture into small patties.
5. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
7. Warm pita breads in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
8. Assemble wraps by placing falafel patties inside pita bread, adding lettuce, tomato, and pickled turnips if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Herbed Falafel with Lemon Garlic Dip
A flavorful twist on the classic Middle Eastern street food, these herbed falafel are packed with fresh herbs and crispy outside, while the lemon garlic dip adds a bright and tangy touch.
Ingredients:
For the falafel:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the dip:
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mash chickpeas with a fork until coarsely chopped.
3. Add herbs, garlic, lemon juice, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Divide mixture into 6-8 portions and shape each portion into a ball.
5. Flatten each ball slightly into a disk shape.
6. Dip each falafel in flour, shaking off excess.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
For the dip:
1. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Falafel with Avocado Spread
Experience the flavors of the Middle East with this easy-to-make and healthier alternative to deep-fried falafel. This recipe combines crispy baked falafel with a creamy avocado spread for a delicious and nutritious snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chickpeas, parsley, scallions, garlic, lemon juice, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Shape mixture into 8-10 patties.
4. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
6. Meanwhile, mix together mashed avocado and lemon juice.
7. Assemble by spreading the avocado mixture on toasted pita bread and topping with baked falafel.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Potato Falafel Burgers
Experience the flavors of the Middle East with a twist by using sweet potatoes to add natural sweetness and creamy texture to these crispy falafel burgers.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup chickpeas
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade), lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, chickpeas, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Divide mixture into 4 equal parts and shape each part into a patty.
4. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
5. Assemble burgers with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Falafel
Elevate your falafel game with this innovative recipe that combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the tanginess of feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Falafel mix or pita bread crumbs for coating
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or a potato masher.
3. Add the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well.
4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6-8 falafel patties.
5. Coat each patty with falafel mix or pita bread crumbs, shaking off any excess.
6. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the falafel for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as tzatziki sauce, hummus, or chopped veggies.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Beetroot Falafel with Mint Yogurt
Experience the unique flavor combination of sweet beetroot and refreshing mint in this innovative falafel recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beetroot, cooked and peeled
– 1 cup chickpeas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Mint yogurt sauce (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, combine beetroot, chickpeas, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and cumin. Process until smooth.
3. Gradually add flour and process until a dough forms.
4. Shape into small patties and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve warm with mint yogurt sauce (see below).
Mint Yogurt Sauce:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gluten-Free Quinoa Falafel
Elevate your snack game with these crispy, flavorful falafel made with quinoa and a hint of Middle Eastern spices. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup chickpeas
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, parsley, scallions, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
4. Divide the mixture into 8-10 portions, depending on desired size.
5. Shape each portion into a patty or ball shape.
6. Coat each falafel with gluten-free flour, shaking off excess.
7. Fry in hot oil (about 350°F) for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Curry-Spiced Falafel with Mango Chutney
A flavorful twist on the classic Middle Eastern street food, these curry-spiced falafel are served with a sweet and tangy mango chutney for a delightful snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup curry powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Mango chutney (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork.
3. Add the flour, curry powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the olive oil while mixing until a dough forms.
5. Shape into patties and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Serve with mango chutney for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Zucchini Falafel with Tzatziki
Transforming zucchini into crispy falafel is a game-changer for vegetarian and vegan palates. These bite-sized treats, served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, make for a delicious and healthy snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, lightly beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grate zucchinis using a box grater or food processor.
3. In a bowl, mix together flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and baking powder.
4. Add egg and olive oil; mix well.
5. Add grated zucchini and season with salt and pepper; mix until combined.
6. Form into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls or patties.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. Serve warm with tzatziki sauce and chopped parsley (if desired).
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Mediterranean Falafel Salad Bowl
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this colorful and nutritious salad bowl, featuring crispy falafel, creamy hummus, and a medley of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of store-bought or homemade falafel
– 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons hummus
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the falafel according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
3. Add the cooked falafel on top of the vegetable mixture.
4. Drizzle the hummus over the salad and sprinkle with lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Falafel Salad Bowl!
Roasted Red Pepper Falafel
Roasted Red Pepper Falafel Recipe
Add a pop of color and flavor to your falafel game with this Roasted Red Pepper Falafel recipe! These crispy, flavorful bites are perfect for snacking or as part of a Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (see note)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mash chickpeas using a fork or a potato masher.
3. Add roasted red peppers, parsley, scallions, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Gradually add flour, mixing until dough forms.
5. Shape into small patties (about 1-inch/2.5 cm diameter).
6. Fry in hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes to fry the falafel.
Enjoy your delicious Roasted Red Pepper Falafel!
Falafel Stuffed Pita Pockets
A flavorful and satisfying snack or meal, these falafel stuffed pita pockets are perfect for anyone looking to spice up their lunch or dinner routine.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 pita breads
– 1 package of pre-made falafel mix (or homemade)
– 1/4 cup hummus
– 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook falafel mix according to package instructions or bake homemade falafel for 20-25 minutes.
3. Warm pita breads by wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for 5 minutes.
4. Spread a layer of hummus on each pita, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Add shredded lettuce, sliced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese (if using) on top of hummus.
6. Slice cooked falafel into small pieces and add to pita, followed by a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lentil and Chickpea Falafel
These crispy and flavorful falafel are made with a combination of lentils, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. Serve them in a pita with your favorite toppings for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or a potato masher.
3. Add the cooked lentils, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well.
4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties.
5. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the falafel until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain the falafel on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Falafel Tacos with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Experience the flavors of the Middle East and Mexico with this unique fusion recipe, combining crispy falafel patties with tangy cilantro lime dressing and crunchy taco shells.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked falafel (homemade or store-bought)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Cilantro Lime Dressing (recipe below)
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced tomatoes
– Chopped cilantro
– Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cilantro Lime Dressing:
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 minced garlic clove
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
2. Assemble tacos by placing a falafel patty onto each tortilla, followed by a spoonful of Cilantro Lime Dressing, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cauliflower Falafel with Spicy Aioli
Transform cauliflower into crispy, flavorful falafel and serve it with a tangy, spicy aioli for a delightful twist on traditional Middle Eastern street food.
Ingredients:
For the Cauliflower Falafel:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
For the Spicy Aioli:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse and dry cauliflower, then pulse into small pieces in a food processor.
3. In a bowl, combine cauliflower, garlic, flour, panko breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
4. Form mixture into patties and fry in olive oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
5. Drain falafel on paper towels and serve hot with Spicy Aioli.
Spicy Aioli:
1. Mix mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon juice, and salt to taste.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Falafel and Hummus Platter
Experience the flavors of the Middle East with this classic combination of crispy falafel and creamy hummus, served together on a platter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 cup hummus
– Pita bread, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas using a fork or a potato masher.
3. Add parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small patties.
5. Fry the falafel in hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels.
7. Serve the falafel with hummus, pita bread, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices.
Cooking Time: About 20 minutes
Falafel Pizza with Fresh Veggie Toppings
Transform a classic pita into a Mediterranean-inspired pizza, loaded with crispy falafel, creamy tzatziki sauce, and an array of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made pita bread
– 1 cup falafel mix (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup sliced red bell peppers
– 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook falafel mix according to package instructions or recipe.
3. Slice pita bread in half lengthwise.
4. Spread tzatziki sauce on each half.
5. Top with cooked falafel, mixed greens, bell peppers, cucumber, and feta cheese (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until pita is crispy and toppings are heated through.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
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