Feed Your Body Friday: Falafel Bites
Welcome back to another Feed Your Body Friday, fam!
If you are looking for a delicious way to replace take-out food, this unique Falafel Bites recipe is a perfect solution. In fact, making falafel bites from scratch is a lot easier than you would think. Although most falafel bites are prepared fried, this baked version I’ve come up with is easily the better choice for you - and it’s just as delicious!
The main ingredient of the falafel bites is chickpeas. In the context of nutrition, chickpeas have a substantial amount of carbohydrates, protein and dietary fiber. When mixed with herbs like parsley, mint and coriander, you get a delicious herbal-like taste.
These crunchy and delicious falafel bites are enriched with ingredients like garlic, coriander, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper to give them a unique, authentic taste that will remind you of the Middle East. The falafel bites are made small in size for a reason – when made smaller, the crust becomes crispy while the texture remains soft on the inside. This texture makes these falafel bites feel so unique with every bite you take.
Ingredients:
- 500g chickpeas, cooked and well drained (1 large can)
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 1 tbsp. coffee of olive oil
- 1/4 cup coriander
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp. grated lemon zest
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 lettuce salad, washed and drained
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Fresh mint
- Hummus
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
Preparation:
- Using a blender or a food processor, mix chickpeas, parsley, olive oil, coriander, garlic, cumin, lemon zest, 1 tbsp. of salt. No need to mix too long, try to keep a little texture.
- Add flour and mix. If the texture is a little too liquidy, add a little more flour.
- Transfer to a bowl and cover. Let stand for 12 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Lightly grease a baking sheet covered with baking paper.
- Form the falafel bites approximately the same size. Place on the baking sheet and brush the falafel with a little olive oil.
- Cook for 40-45 minutes, turning the falafel halfway through cooking. Falafel bites are ready when they are firm and golden on both sides.
- Let them cool for a few minutes or until they are at room temperature, then prepare the bites. Place a small salad leaf on a plate, then add the falafel on top. Follow with 1 tsp. of hummus and a slice of cucumber. Finish with half a cherry tomato and a fresh mint leaf. Use a toothpick to keep it all together.
Falafel bites are an excellent replacement for take-out food, as appetizers, and as small, healthy snacks. They are healthy, tasty, spicy, and exciting. The mild herbal aroma and the touch of spiciness would also make a great addition to your next evening party or office potluck lunch. Since we’re using coriander, parsley, and lemon zest, your home gets a healthy dose of aromatherapy - an extra bonus to freshen up your space!
Feel free to experiment with different types of hummus and any vegetables you prefer or have around the house as garnishes. And be sure to let us know what combinations you come up with by tagging us on Instagram or Facebook!
Related Article: Feed Your Body Friday: Vegetable Tagine
