Are you a fan of falafel but dread the deep-frying process? Well, get ready to fall in love with these Baked Falafel Bites! Not only are they healthier than their fried counterparts, but they’re also incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor. Imagine crispy, golden nuggets of chickpea goodness that melt in your mouth, accompanied by a tangy and creamy tahini sauce that will have you licking your fingers.
These Baked Falafel Bites are the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a light meal when paired with a fresh salad or pita bread. They’re versatile, portable, and sure to become a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering or family dinner. Plus, with the added bonus of being baked, you can indulge guilt-free and feel good about what you’re eating.
Ingredients (Falafel Bites):
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free option)
- Olive oil spray
Ingredients (Tahini Sauce):
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions (Falafel Bites):
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground but not pureed.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour until well combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the falafel bites with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Instructions (Tahini Sauce):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and cumin until well combined and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the warm Baked Falafel Bites alongside the creamy Tahini Sauce for dipping or drizzling. These delightful bites are perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a satisfying snack on their own. Get ready to fall in love with the explosion of flavors and the irresistible crunch of these baked falafels!