Healthy Spicy Vegan Baked Falafel (using dried chickpeas)

🥙What are falafels

Falafels are popular Middle Eastern delicacy that consist of chickpeas or fava beans, herbs and spices that are ground and formed into small patties or balls. They are then being deep fried and are usually served in pita sandwiches, as an appetizer or on top of salads.

In this version, we will be baking them instead of frying. The result? Equally delicious and crispy falafels that are healthier, lower in fat and lower in calories!

💚Why you will love this recipe

• Taste AMAZING - You will be surprised by how good these spicy falafels are, considering that they are baked! Crispy on the outside yet moist, soft and tender on the inside, they will be enjoyed by both vegans and omnivores.
• Healthier and lighter - These vegan baked falafels are made from wholesome ingredients and packed with tons of fresh herbs.
• Easy and quick to make - The hardest thing is to remember to soak your dry chickpeas. 😉 Minimal prep work needed and only requires 15 minutes of active cooking time.
• Freezable and great for meal prep - Do remember to double, triple or even quadruple this recipe so you will have falafels ready to go at all times!

🧄What you will need

📓Notes / substitutions

• Chickpea flour - Can be substituted with all purpose flour.
• Garlic - Can be substituted with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Chili powder - To make these vegan baked falafels less spicy, use less or omit it totally.
• Oil-free - Use 2 tablespoons of tahini in place of olive oil.

🔪How to make

The night before, place dried chickpeas in a large bowl covered with plenty of water, at least 2 inches above the chickpeas. Soak for at least 6 hours, or up to 12 hours. When ready to use, drain chickpeas and pat them dry using a kitchen towel.

In a food processor, add in all ingredients including chickpeas. Pulse until the mixture is finely grounded. It should be pretty crumbly, but will still hold its shape when being pressed together.

Transfer mixture to a container and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

Preheat oven to 200C / 400F. Scoop up about 2 tablespoon of mixture and form into a small patty, them place it on a lined or greased baking tray. Repeat until falafel mixture is all used up.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, gently flipping them halfway, until they are slightly browned on both sides. Serve and enjoy your vegan baked falafels while warm!

✔Helpful tips

• Make sure to use dried chickpeas. Using cooked or canned chickpeas will yield falafels that are dry, crumbly and fall apart easily.
• Chill falafel mixture for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. This will firm up mixture, hence making it easier to shape. Plus, falafels will be less likely to break apart.
• If you are not a fan of cilantro, omit and use 1 cup of parsley instead.
• Baking powder makes a fluffier and lighter falafel. But if you do not have any on hand, feel free to skip it.

🥗How to serve

• Serve vegan baked falafels as an appetizer alongside sauces and dips like hummus, tahini, tahini sauce and baba ganoush.
• Make falafel pita sandwich with them.
• Pair spicy falafels with some salad greens and tahini sauce to make falafel salad.
• You can also make some falafel bowls by serving them with brown rice, hummus, Israeli salad and raw veggies of choice.
• Lastly, simply shape them into larger patties to make yourself some falafel burgers!