Crispy Baked Falafel Balls Recipe – Flavorful & Easy Treats

Baked Falafel Balls are like tiny, crispy nuggets of joy that burst with flavors. Imagine a warm, golden exterior giving way to a soft, herb-infused centerβ€”every bite feels like a party in your mouth. The aroma of spices wafts through the air, tantalizing your taste buds and making your stomach grumble in anticipation. You can almost hear them calling out, β€œEat me!”

Every time I whip up these Baked Falafel Balls, I’m transported back to those cozy family gatherings where laughter mingled with the scent of delicious food. These little delights are perfect for parties or a simple weeknight dinner when you need something hearty but healthy. Trust me; once you taste them, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Baked Falafel Balls are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
  • Their vibrant flavors and crisp texture will impress even the pickiest eaters
  • Visually appealing with their golden brown color, they look stunning on any plate
  • They’re versatile too; enjoy them as an appetizer or as part of a hearty meal

I still remember the first time I made these Baked Falafel Balls for my friendsβ€”they devoured them in minutes and declared me the β€œFalafel Queen” of our group.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Canned Chickpeas: Opt for high-quality chickpeas; they provide the perfect base for creamy falafel.

  • Fresh Parsley: Use bright green parsley for flavor and vibrant color; it really brightens up the dish.

  • Fresh Cilantro: If you love cilantro, add it for an extra punch of freshness.

  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this fragrant ingredient.

  • Tahini: This sesame paste adds creaminess and rich flavorβ€”choose a smooth variety for best results.

  • Ground Cumin: A must-have spice that brings warmth and depth to your falafel.

  • Ground Coriander: This spice adds a subtle citrusy note that complements chickpeas beautifully.

  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling before bakingβ€”it enhances flavor and aids in crispiness.

  • Flour (or Gluten-Free Option): Helps bind everything together; use all-purpose or gluten-free flour as needed.

  • Baking Powder: This little helper gives your falafel balls that perfect lift during baking.

    • The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

      Let’s Make it together

      Preparation Phase: Gather Your Ingredients: Start by collecting all your ingredients. Prepping everything at once makes cooking smoother and more enjoyableβ€”trust me on this one!

      Blend Everything Together: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic cloves, tahini, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely blended but slightly chunky for texture.

      Add Binding Agents: Transfer the mixture into a bowl. Stir in flour and baking powder until just combinedβ€”this is where things start smelling heavenly!

      Scoop and Shape the Balls: With clean hands or a scoop, form small balls (about 1-1.5 inches). Place each ball on a lined baking sheetβ€”you want them nice and spaced out.

      Bake to Perfection!: Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Drizzle olive oil over the balls before baking them for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

      Serve & Enjoy!: Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce or wrap them in pita breadβ€”your taste buds will thank you!

      Now that you’ve mastered Baked Falafel Balls, get ready to impress! Whether you’re sharing with friends at a gathering or enjoying a solo snack while binge-watching your favorite show, these delightful bites will always brighten your day!

      You Must Know

      • Baked falafel balls are a delicious and healthier alternative to the fried version
      • They are packed with flavor and perfect for meal prep
      • The aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen will make everyone curious about what’s cooking

      Perfecting the Cooking Process

      To achieve perfectly baked falafel balls, blend the chickpeas, herbs, and spices first, then form and bake them on parchment paper for an even cook.

      Serving and storing

      Add Your Touch

      Feel free to swap out cilantro for parsley or add some diced jalapeΓ±os for a spicy kick in your baked falafel balls.

      Storing & Reheating

      Store your baked falafel balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat them in the oven at 350Β°F for 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness.

      Chef's Helpful Tips

      • For perfect baked falafel balls, ensure your chickpeas are well-drained and dried before blending
      • Adding a bit of baking powder can help them rise beautifully while baking
      • Always use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact!

      Nothing brings back memories like cooking with my grandmother. She always insisted on making her falafel from scratch, teaching me how to balance flavors until they sang together just right.

      FAQs

      FAQ

      Can I freeze baked falafel balls?

      Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months in an airtight container.

      What dipping sauce goes well with baked falafel balls?

      Tzatziki or tahini sauce pairs perfectly with these flavorful bites.

      How do I know when my falafel balls are done?

      They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

      Print
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      Baked Falafel Balls


      • Author: Ethan Brooks
      • Total Time: 40 minutes
      • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

      Description

      Baked Falafel Balls are a delightful treat bursting with flavor and texture. With a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, herb-infused center, these easy-to-make falafel balls are perfect for any occasionβ€”from casual weeknight dinners to lively gatherings. Packed with nutrients and made from wholesome ingredients, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried falafel. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or wrap them in pita for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more!


      Ingredients

      Scale
      • 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
      • 1 cup fresh parsley, packed
      • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
      • 3 garlic cloves
      • 3 tbsp tahini
      • 2 tsp ground cumin
      • 2 tsp ground coriander
      • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
      • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
      • 1 tsp baking powder
      • Salt and pepper to taste

      Instructions

      1. Preheat oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
      2. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, tahini, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until slightly chunky.
      3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in flour and baking powder until just combined.
      4. Form small balls (1-1.5 inches) and place them on the lined baking sheet.
      5. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
      • Prep Time: 15 minutes
      • Cook Time: 25 minutes
      • Category: Appetizer/Main
      • Method: Baking
      • Cuisine: Mediterranean

      Nutrition

      • Serving Size: 1 serving
      • Calories: 70
      • Sugar: 0g
      • Sodium: 160mg
      • Fat: 3g
      • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
      • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
      • Trans Fat: 0g
      • Carbohydrates: 10g
      • Fiber: 3g
      • Protein: 3g
      • Cholesterol: 0mg

      Keywords: For added spice, consider mixing in diced jalapeΓ±os or swapping cilantro for mint. Ensure chickpeas are well-drained for optimal texture. These falafel balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.

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