Description
Homemade baked falafel sandwiches blend Middle Eastern spices with nutritious chickpea goodness. Crisp herbed patties nestled in warm pita pockets offer a delightful meal packed with authentic Mediterranean flavors you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tsps ground cumin
- 2 tsps ground coriander
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsps flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Hummus
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Fresh greens (lettuce or spinach)
- Tzatziki or tahini sauce
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for crispy falafel.
- Mixture Creation: Pulse chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper in a food processor until the blend reaches a cohesive, textured consistency that binds easily.
- Patty Formation: Craft uniform palm-sized patties from the chickpea mixture, ensuring even thickness to guarantee consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Baking Preparation: Arrange patties on the prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing, then lightly spritz with olive oil to promote golden-brown crispiness.
- Cooking Process: Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform browning, while simultaneously warming pita bread in a separate oven or skillet until softened.
- Sandwich Assembly: Spread hummus inside the warm pita, nestle the golden falafel patties, and garnish with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, leafy greens, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki or tahini sauce.
- Serving: Present the falafel sandwiches immediately, allowing diners to enjoy the warm, crisp Mediterranean-inspired creation at its peak flavor and texture.
Notes
- Moisture Control: Drain chickpeas thoroughly to prevent soggy falafel and ensure crispy texture.
- Binding Technique: Use flour and baking powder to help patties hold together without deep-frying.
- Spacing Matters: Leave room between patties on baking sheet for even, crisp browning and proper air circulation.
- Olive Oil Hack: Lightly mist patties with oil to achieve golden-brown exterior without excess grease.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg