15 Fabulous Falafel Recipes That Will Transport You to the Mediterranean Coast
We just have to say it: We adore falafel. These crispy, flavorful bites have carved out a special place in our culinary hearts. Whether enjoyed as a snack with creamy tahini for dipping, as a satisfying lunch or dinner wrapped in soft pita bread, or as a light meal atop a bed of fresh lettuce, falafel never fails to delight.
Falafel has its roots in Egypt, and while "falafel scholars" might not be a real thing, it's widely believed that falafel was created as a meat substitute for Christians during Lent. Traditionally, falafel is made from a blend of chickpeas, garlic, cumin, coriander, and other herbs, shaped into balls or patties, fried until golden, and served with tahini - a sauce made from ground sesame seeds. This dish spread quickly throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East and has since gained worldwide popularity.
As if traditional falafel wasn’t amazing enough, inventive chefs and home cooks have elevated these delightful morsels with creative ingredient combinations and unique twists. To celebrate International Falafel Day on June 12th, we’ve curated 15 of our favorite falafel recipes to inspire you to get cooking in your kitchen!
1 - Classic chickpea falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, parsley, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Soak chickpeas overnight, blend with garlic, onion, and spices, form into balls, and fry until golden brown. Serve with a tahini sauce.
2 - Herbed spinach falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, fresh spinach, garlic, onion, cilantro, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Blend soaked chickpeas with fresh spinach and herbs, shape into patties, and fry. These falafels are packed with greens and flavor.
3 - Sweet Potato Falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, cooked sweet potato, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Mix mashed sweet potatoes with chickpeas and spices, form into balls, and bake or fry. The sweet potato adds a unique sweetness and a moist texture.
4 - Beetroot falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, cooked beets, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Blend beets with chickpeas for a vibrant color and earthy taste, form into patties, and bake or fry. Serve with a lemony tahini sauce.
5 - Quinoa falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, cooked quinoa, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, parsley, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Combine quinoa with chickpeas and spices, shape into balls, and bake. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and boosts protein content.
6 - Lentil falafel:
Ingredients: cooked lentils, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, parsley, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Use lentils instead of chickpeas for a different texture and robust flavor, form into patties, and fry. Perfect for a hearty meal.
7 - Zucchini falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, grated zucchini, garlic, onion, dill, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Grate zucchini and mix with chickpeas and herbs, shape into balls, and fry. The zucchini keeps the falafel moist and light.
8 - Cauliflower falafel:
Ingredients: cooked cauliflower, chickpeas, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, parsley, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Blend cauliflower with chickpeas for a low-carb option, form into patties, and bake or fry. These falafels are light and flavorful.
9 - Mushroom falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onion, thyme, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms with chickpeas for an earthy taste, shape into balls, and fry. Serve with a garlic-tahini sauce.
10 - Carrot and coriander falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, grated carrots, garlic, onion, fresh coriander, cumin, coriander powder, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Mix grated carrots with chickpeas and spices, form into patties, and bake. The carrots add a sweet flavor and a vibrant color.
11 - Pumpkin falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, cooked pumpkin, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Combine mashed pumpkin with chickpeas for an autumn twist, shape into balls, and bake. These falafels are warm and comforting.
12 - Spicy Jalapeño Falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, jalapeños, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, cilantro, salt, pepper, baking powder, flour.
Details: Add finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, form into patties, and fry. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
13 - Coconut and Curry Falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, shredded coconut, curry powder, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Mix shredded coconut and curry spices with chickpeas, shape into balls, and bake. These falafel have an exotic, tropical flavor.
14 - Sun-dried tomato falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, onion, basil, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Blend sun-dried tomatoes with chickpeas for a tangy taste, form into patties, and fry. Serve with a basil-tahini sauce.
15 - Green pea falafel:
Ingredients: chickpeas, green peas, garlic, onion, mint, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, baking powder, and flour.
Details: Mix green peas with chickpeas for a sweet, fresh flavor, shape into balls, and bake or fry. These falafels are light and vibrant.
These 15 fabulous falafel recipes are sure to transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean coast. Each variation offers a unique twist on the classic, showcasing the versatility and universal appeal of this beloved dish. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and celebrate International Falafel Day by creating your own delicious falafel feast!