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Baked Falafel

Baked falafel offers a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior without the mess of deep frying. Made with mashed chickpeas, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices, the mixture is shaped into patties and baked until golden. The result is a fragrant, satisfying dish with a satisfying crunch and vibrant green interior.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can 15 oz canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 3 cloves minced garlic fresh
  • 1 teaspoon toasted and ground cumin seeds lightly toasted for flavor
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour adjust as needed for binding
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil olive oil for brushing

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Food processor or bowl and masher
  • Spatula or spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
  3. Place the chickpeas in a food processor or mash them in a sturdy bowl using a fork or potato masher until they’re coarsely ground but not a smooth paste.
  4. Add the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, toasted cumin, and lemon juice to the chickpeas. Mix everything together until well combined and fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in the flour a little at a time, stirring or mixing with your hands until the mixture holds together when pressed. It should be moist but manageable.
  6. Shape the mixture into small, flat patties or balls about 2 inches in diameter, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Keep them relatively uniform for even baking.
  7. Brush the tops of the falafel with a little olive oil to help achieve a crispy, golden exterior during baking.
  8. Bake the falafel in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy around the edges.
  9. Remove the baked falafel from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to set the crust and prevent breaking when serving.
  10. Serve warm with your favorite dips like tahini or yogurt, or tuck into pita bread with fresh vegetables for a hearty meal.