Easy Vegan Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce
If you know me, you know I love a zesty falafel. Creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-flavorful… But what about those who hate frying things for an hour (me), hate unnecessarily difficult recipes (me), and hate bland food (ME)? Whip up a batch of this easy vegan baked falafel. Perfect for salads, wraps, or even plain!
First of all, let’s get something straight:
A Middle Eastern dish of spiced mashed chickpeas or other pulses formed into balls or fritters and deep-fried, usually eaten with or in pita bread.
~ Falafel Definition
Now, deep-fried falafel is delicious (that’s not even a debate). That being said, I hate the greasy-weighed-down feeling after meals (anyone else get this way with greasy food?)
Instead, I decided to change things up and make these falafels in the oven!
- Are they 100% authentic? Nope
- Do they taste like they are? Hell yeah!
Non-Traditional Baked Falafel with 110% Flavor
“Nick, how can you have 110% flavor?”
It’s easy: We packed as much goodness into this baked falafel as possible.
If there’s anything I hate more than deep-fried-fullness, it’s a bland “healthy” alternative.
If it’s not flavorful, there’s no point in touting it as a “healthy alternative”. No one likes bland food (I’m looking at you; Gertrude)
Instead, these falafels are:
- Crispy on the outside
- Creamy on the inside
- Packed with cilantro
- Overflowing with spices and flavor
Don’t believe me!? I made a double batch and all 20 of the baked falafel were gone in 24 hours.
On one hand, I’m overjoyed at my family’s support.. On the other, I wish they saved me leftovers! ????
Best of all, this baked falafel has a secret ingredient: kale!
Now, before you gag to death, hear me out: I am not a fan of kale.
I think it’s way too bitter and tends to overpower most recipes.
Why would I use it, then?
Besides Kale being a near-perfect food, it also hides incredibly well in this recipe.
This means you can get that beautiful green hue with all of the nutrients, but none of the flavor.
What’s more to love!?
Check Out the Easy Baked Falafel Video:
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Easy Vegan Baked Falafel
Ingredients
For the Falafel
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
- 1 cup kale leaves large stems removed
- 2, 15- oz cans of chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour GF if needed
For the Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic
- 2-4 Tablespoons water
To Finish
- Pita bread
- Diced tomato
- Fresh greens
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking tray with parchment paper
- In a food processor, mince the garlic
- Next, add the cilantro and kale and process until finely chopped
- Add the chickpeas, oil, lemon juice, and spices (save the flour!) and pulse until roughly combined. There should be plenty of texture, but just blended enough to where it comes together
- Scrape falafel mix into a large mixing bowl and incorporate the flour until a wet "dough" forms
- Form falafel mix into 10 equal sized patties (about 3 tablespoons each)
- Flatten slightly and place on baking try
- Bake falafel for 18-21 minutes until nice and golden
For the Tahini Sauce
- Whisk all ingredients together in a mixing bowl
- Drizzle on cooked Falafel and enjoy!