Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and herbaceous on the inside—these baked chickpea falafel balls are packed with parsley, garlic, and cumin for a healthy, flavorful twist on a Middle Eastern classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Baked Herb Chickpea Falafel Balls offer a delightful combination of crispiness and tenderness, all while being baked instead of fried. Infused with fresh herbs and aromatic spices, they provide a nutritious and satisfying option for various meals. Their versatility allows them to be served in wraps, salads, or as appetizers, making them a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and sticks together. Avoid overblending.
- Add the flour and baking powder to the mixture, then pulse a few more times until incorporated.
- Form the mixture into 12 small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel balls are golden brown and firm.
- Serve warm with tahini sauce, yogurt dip, or in pita wraps.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Falafel: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Additional Herbs: Experiment with adding fresh dill or mint to the herb mixture for different flavor profiles.
- Gluten-Free: Use chickpea flour instead of regular flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover falafel balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked falafel balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated evenly.
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before using them in the recipe.
What can I use instead of parsley and cilantro?
You can substitute with other fresh herbs like dill, mint, or basil, depending on your flavor preferences.
Can I fry these falafel balls instead of baking?
Yes, you can deep-fry or pan-fry the falafel balls until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
How do I prevent the falafel mixture from being too wet?
Ensure that the chickpeas are well-drained and patted dry before processing. If the mixture is still too wet, add a bit more flour to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking.
What sauces pair well with these falafel balls?
Traditional pairings include tahini sauce, tzatziki, or a simple yogurt and herb dip.
Are these falafel balls suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before freezing, and reheat as needed.
Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Finely grated carrots or zucchini can be added to the mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
What is the best way to serve these falafel balls?
They can be served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and sauce, over salads, or as part of a mezze platter.
How do I achieve a crispier exterior?
Brushing the falafel balls with olive oil before baking and ensuring they are baked at the correct temperature will help achieve a crispier exterior.
Conclusion
Baked Herb Chickpea Falafel Balls are a wholesome and flavorful alternative to traditional fried falafel. Their combination of fresh herbs and spices, along with a crispy exterior and tender interior, make them a versatile addition to any meal. Whether served in wraps, salads, or as appetizers, these falafel balls are sure to delight your taste buds and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Baked Herb Chickpea Falafel Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 falafel balls 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and herbaceous on the inside—these baked chickpea falafel balls are packed with parsley, garlic, and cumin for a healthy, flavorful twist on a Middle Eastern classic.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and sticks together. Do not overblend.
- Add flour and baking powder, then pulse a few more times until incorporated.
- Form mixture into 12 small balls. Place on the baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and firm.
- Serve warm with tahini sauce, yogurt dip, or in pita wraps.
Notes
- Use chickpea flour for a gluten-free version.
- Do not overprocess the mixture—some texture is ideal.
- Falafel can be frozen before or after baking for meal prep.
- Pair with fresh vegetables and sauces in a wrap for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 falafel balls
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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