Description
Succulent baked falafel sandwiches bring Middle Eastern street charm right to kitchen counters. Mediterranean spices and crisp herbs mingle with chickpea goodness, offering you a delightful culinary journey through fresh, wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 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
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Sandwich Components:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Hummus
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Fresh greens (lettuce or spinach)
- Tzatziki or tahini sauce
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine drained chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture reaches a coarse, textured consistency that holds together when pressed.
- Carefully form the chickpea mixture into compact, uniform patties approximately the size of a small palm. Ensure each patty is evenly shaped to promote consistent cooking.
- Arrange the falafel patties on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each one to allow proper heat circulation.
- Lightly mist the patties with olive oil to enhance crispiness and golden-brown coloration.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the patties midway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
- While the falafel bakes, gently warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a separate oven or skillet until slightly soft and pliable.
- Construct the sandwiches by spreading a generous layer of hummus inside each bread, then nestling the crispy falafel patties within.
- Embellish the sandwiches with fresh sliced tomatoes, crisp cucumber, verdant greens, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki or tahini sauce.
- Serve the falafel sandwiches immediately while the patties remain warm and crisp, allowing everyone to savor the delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- Make chickpea mixture ahead of time to let flavors meld and deepen, enhancing overall taste profile.
- Ensure chickpeas are completely dry after rinsing to prevent soggy falafel patties that won’t crisp properly.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor intensity and vibrant green color in the mixture.
- Avoid over-processing the chickpea blend to maintain a rustic, textured consistency that creates crispy edges.
- Rotate baking sheet midway through cooking to guarantee even browning and consistent crunchiness across all falafel patties.
- Store leftover falafel in an airtight container for quick reheating, maintaining their crisp exterior when warmed in the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg