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When making crispy baked falafel, you need a mix of fresh and pantry items. Here’s what I use: - 2 cups canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon coriander - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 tablespoons tahini - 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling) - ½ cup breadcrumbs Canned chickpeas: These form the base of falafel. They are soft and blend well. Fresh herbs and spices: Parsley and cilantro add a fresh taste. Cumin and coriander give warmth and depth. Other essential ingredients: Onion and garlic bring flavor. Baking powder helps them rise and get crispy. Optional additions: You can add more spices like paprika or even some chopped chili for heat. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps and cooking tips that follow. Enjoy creating this delicious dish! 1. Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy falafel. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. Combining ingredients in the food processor In your food processor, add: - 2 cups canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon coriander - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 tablespoons tahini Pulse these until the mix is well blended but still a bit chunky. 3. Forming falafel patties Transfer your mix to a bowl. Stir in ½ cup breadcrumbs. If the mix feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together well. Now, use your hands to form small balls or patties. Aim for golf ball size. Place them neatly on the prepared baking sheet. 1. Drizzling with olive oil Drizzle olive oil over your falafel patties. Make sure each one is well coated. This helps them get that perfect crispy texture. 2. Baking time and flipping technique Bake the falafel in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and get golden brown on both sides. 1. Plating ideas Once your falafel is done, allow them to cool slightly. Serve them on a colorful platter. 2. Accompaniments for falafel Pair your crispy baked falafel with tahini sauce. A fresh cucumber and tomato salad makes a great side. Garnish with extra parsley or cilantro for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious meal! To make your falafel crispy, use breadcrumbs and olive oil wisely. Breadcrumbs help absorb moisture and create a crunch. Olive oil adds flavor and aids browning. Make sure to drizzle enough oil over the falafel balls before baking. This step is key to that crunchy outside. Baking temperature matters too. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the falafel crisp up nicely. If the oven is too cool, they may turn out soft instead of crispy. One mistake to watch for is over-processing the mixture. If you blend too long, the chickpeas can become paste-like. Aim for a coarse texture that holds together but still has some bite. You want your falafel to have that distinct chickpea flavor. Another mistake is skipping the olive oil drizzle. This step makes a big difference. Without it, your falafel may end up dry or lacking flavor. So, give them a good splash of oil before they head into the oven. You can easily amp up flavor with extra spices. Try adding smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a pinch of cinnamon. These will give your falafel a unique twist. You can also experiment with different herbs. Fresh dill or mint can add a fresh touch. For serving, think about delicious dips and sauces. Tahini sauce pairs perfectly with falafel. You could also try yogurt sauce or a spicy harissa dip. These add depth and make your meal even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Baked Falafel section. {{image_2}} You can easily change the falafel to fit your needs. For a vegetarian option, stick with chickpeas. This recipe already keeps it meat-free. If you want to go gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free oats. Both work well and keep the falafel tasty. You can also try using different beans. Black beans or lentils can give a new twist. Just remember to cook them well if using dried beans. Canned beans save time and are ready to mix right away. Adding different herbs or spices can change your falafel game. Fresh dill or mint adds a bright touch. Try using smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. You can blend in chili powder if you like some heat. Each spice brings its own character to the dish. Creative toppings and fillings can enhance your falafel experience. Stuff your falafel in a pita with crunchy veggies and creamy sauce. You can also serve it on a bed of greens with tahini dressing. The options are endless! Your falafel can shine in many ways. Wrap it in pita bread for a quick meal. Layer it on a salad for a healthy lunch. You can also serve it in a bowl with grains like quinoa and fresh veggies. Crispy baked falafel works as a tasty appetizer or a main dish. Pair it with a side of hummus or tzatziki for dipping. Feel free to explore different serving styles to match any occasion. For the full recipe, check the section above. To keep your crispy baked falafel fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration tips: Place the leftover falafel in an airtight container. They stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. This helps avoid steam that can make them soggy. - Freezing instructions: For longer storage, freeze the falafel. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy your falafel again, reheating is key. - Best methods for reheating for optimal crispiness: Use the oven to reheat. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. - Avoiding sogginess when reheating: Avoid using the microwave. It can make falafel soft. If you must, use a low power setting and check often. Falafel can last a while if stored properly. - How long can falafel be kept in the fridge or freezer?: In the fridge, they stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. In the freezer, they can be good for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Baked falafel gets its crispiness from a few key things. First, the breadcrumbs help form a crunchy outer layer. Second, using olive oil gives the falafel a nice golden color and crisp texture. Finally, the high oven temperature helps to cook them evenly. Yes, you can make falafel ahead of time! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls or patties. Then, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze them before baking. Simply bake them straight from the freezer. Baked falafel can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them for longer shelf life. Crispy baked falafel pairs well with many sides. You can serve them with tahini sauce, fresh salads, or pita bread. They also taste great with hummus or yogurt-based dips. Add some sliced veggies for a colorful plate! If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make falafel. Use a fork to mash the chickpeas in a large bowl. Then, finely chop the herbs and onion by hand. Mix everything together well, and follow the same steps as in the Full Recipe. In this post, we explored how to make baked falafel. We covered ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips. I shared ways to achieve a crispy texture and avoid common mistakes. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers, too. In conclusion, baking falafel is a fun and tasty option. With different flavors and serving styles, you can enjoy it your way. Try these tips for the best results, and enjoy a healthy treat!

Crispy Baked Falafel

Savor the flavor with these crispy baked falafel! Packed with wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices, this easy recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals or healthy snacks. Ready in just 35 minutes, you can enjoy these golden, crunchy bites served with tahini sauce and salad. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your culinary skills with this delicious, plant-based delight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

1 small onion, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon coriander

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons tahini

3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and tahini. Pulse until the mixture is well blended but still slightly chunky.

      Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it holds together.

        Using your hands, form small balls or patties from the mixture (about the size of golf balls). Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

          Drizzle olive oil over the falafel balls, ensuring they are well coated for crispiness.

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

              Allow the falafel to cool slightly before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy baked falafel on a platter with a side of tahini sauce and a fresh cucumber-tomato salad. Garnish with extra parsley or cilantro for a pop of color!