Crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside falafel tucked into a fluffy baguette with fresh vegetables, creamy tahini sauce, and vibrant herbs—this sandwich is a hearty, plant-based delight perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines the rich, spiced flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with the comfort of a satisfying handheld meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich is the ideal balance of texture and flavor: crunchy falafel, creamy tahini, fresh vegetables, and soft bread. It’s vegan, easy to assemble, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought falafel, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a filling and flavorful dish that works for both quick lunches and laid-back dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 French baguette or 2 sandwich rolls
- 8 falafel balls (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup hummus
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup lettuce leaves
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Pickled red onions (optional)
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Warm the baguette in the oven for a few minutes if desired, then slice it open lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
- Spread a layer of hummus on the bottom half of the bread.
- Layer on the lettuce, cucumber slices, tomato slices, and red onion.
- Add four falafel balls (or more as desired), gently pressing them into the vegetables.
- Drizzle generously with tahini sauce and top with fresh cilantro leaves and pickled onions if using.
- Close the sandwich gently and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes (if warming bread or falafel)
Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Wrap version: Use pita or flatbread instead of baguette for a wrap-style falafel sandwich.
- Spicy twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of harissa for heat.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free roll or wrap to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Different greens: Swap lettuce for arugula, spinach, or shredded cabbage.
- Extra toppings: Add avocado, shredded carrots, or a dollop of vegan yogurt for more variety.
storage/reheating
This sandwich is best served fresh. If prepping in advance, store components separately to prevent sogginess. Keep the falafel and tahini sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat falafel in a toaster oven or skillet until crisp. Assemble the sandwich just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought falafel?
Yes, store-bought falafel works well and makes the recipe quicker to prepare.
What kind of bread is best for this sandwich?
A French baguette or sandwich roll with a soft interior and a slightly crisp crust works best.
How can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread or wraps and ensure your falafel is made with gluten-free ingredients.
Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before eating to maintain texture.
Is the tahini sauce spicy?
No, the basic tahini sauce is not spicy. You can add a pinch of cayenne or chili paste if desired.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Spread a barrier like hummus on the bread before adding moist ingredients, and assemble just before eating.
Can I use another sauce instead of tahini?
Yes, tzatziki, garlic sauce, or even vegan mayo can be used as alternatives.
Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?
Absolutely. Baked falafel is a healthier option and still delivers great texture.
What vegetables go well in this sandwich?
Cucumber, tomato, lettuce, red onion, and pickled vegetables work particularly well.
How long will homemade falafel last in the fridge?
Homemade falafel can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Conclusion
The Crispy Falafel Sandwich with Tahini Sauce is a satisfying, plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a meatless dinner, or a meal-prep favorite, this sandwich delivers freshness, comfort, and bold taste in every bite.
Print
Crispy Falafel Sandwich with Tahini Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Assembled
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Boules de falafel croustillantes servies dans une baguette chaude avec des légumes frais, une sauce crémeuse au tahini et des herbes, parfaites pour un déjeuner ou un dîner copieux à base de plantes.
Ingredients
- 1 baguette française ou 2 petits pains à sandwich
- 8 boules de falafel (du commerce ou faites maison)
- 1/4 tasse de houmous
- 2 cuillères à soupe de tahini
- 1 cuillère à soupe de jus de citron
- 1 gousse d’ail hachée
- Sel au goût
- 1 tasse de feuilles de laitue
- 1 petit concombre, finement tranché
- 1 tomate, coupée en tranches
- 1/4 d’oignon rouge, finement tranché
- Feuilles de coriandre fraîche
- Oignons rouges marinés (facultatif)
Instructions
- Dans un petit bol, fouettez le tahini, le jus de citron, l’ail émincé, une pincée de sel et un peu d’eau jusqu’à obtenir une consistance lisse et crémeuse. Réservez.
- Réchauffez la baguette au four quelques minutes si vous le souhaitez, puis coupez-la en deux dans le sens de la longueur sans la couper complètement.
- Étalez une couche de houmous sur la moitié inférieure du pain.
- Disposez dessus de la laitue, des tranches de concombre, des tranches de tomate et de l’oignon rouge.
- Ajoutez 4 boules de falafel (ou plus si vous préférez), en les pressant doucement dans les légumes.
- Arrosez généreusement de sauce tahini et garnissez de feuilles de coriandre fraîche et d’oignons marinés si vous en utilisez.
- Refermez délicatement le sandwich et servez immédiatement.
Notes
- Vous pouvez utiliser des falafels du commerce ou faits maison selon vos préférences.
- Ajustez la consistance de la sauce tahini avec de l’eau si nécessaire.
- Servir avec un accompagnement de tahini supplémentaire ou de sauce piquante pour plus de saveur.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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