Name: Baked Falafel Patties with Fresh Herbs and Crispy Pita Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 26 min
Total time: PT-492071H12M32S
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked chickpeas, soaked 24 hours, drained, rinsed, and patted dry; ½ cup chopped shallot or yellow onion; 3 garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; ¾ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems, patted dry; 1 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves and stems, patted dry; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; Pita bread (use gluten-free pita if needed); Hummus; Diced veggies (tomato, cucumber); Fresh herbs (chopped parsley, fresh mint); Pickled Red Onions; Tahini Sauce

Introduction

Falafel is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish made from chickpeas and fresh herbs, shaped into patties and baked until crisp and golden. This healthy version skips frying, relying on olive oil and oven baking for a moist, crunchy texture. Serve it wrapped in warm pita with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

The image shows two pita wraps placed on white plates with slightly charred edges. Each wrap is filled with three golden-brown falafel balls topped with white sauce and red spices. Around the falafel, there are scattered chopped tomatoes, green cucumber pieces, fresh parsley, and bright pink pickled onions. One plate also has a lemon wedge peeking out from under the pita. To the side, a white bowl contains more pickled onions in a pink liquid. There are small bowls of chopped cucumber with tomato and fresh mint leaves, and a creamy hummus dish drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled red spices. Everything is arranged on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked chickpeas, soaked 24 hours, drained, rinsed, and patted dry*

½ cup chopped shallot or yellow onion

3 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

¾ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon baking powder

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems, patted dry

1 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves and stems, patted dry

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

For serving:

Pita bread (use gluten-free pita if needed)
Hummus
Diced veggies (tomato, cucumber)
Fresh herbs (chopped parsley, fresh mint)
Pickled red onions
Tahini sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, shallot, garlic, lemon zest, cumin, coriander, salt, cayenne, baking powder, cilantro, parsley, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pulse until well combined but not pureed. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Use a 2-tablespoon scoop and your hands to form 12 to 15 thick patties. Avoid packing them too tightly to keep the falafel light. If mixture doesn’t hold together, pulse a few more times.

Step 4: Place the patties on the baking sheet, drizzle generously with olive oil, and bake for 14 minutes.

Step 5: Flip the patties and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown and crisp. During the last few minutes, wrap pita bread in foil and warm it in the oven.

Step 6: Assemble the pitas with hummus, diced veggies, falafel, fresh herbs, pickled red onions, and tahini sauce. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

If falafel mixture is too crumbly, add a small amount of flour or soaked bread crumbs to help bind.

For extra crispiness, brush the patties lightly with olive oil before baking.

Try adding spices like smoked paprika or turmeric for different flavor profiles.

Freeze uncooked patties on a tray, then transfer to a container for quick future meals.

Use gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?

For best texture, use dried chickpeas soaked for 24 hours. Canned chickpeas are too soft and will result in a mushy falafel mix.

Is baking falafel as good as frying?

Baking gives a crisp outside and moist inside without extra oil, making it healthier. While frying can yield a more traditional crunch, baked falafel is a delicious and convenient alternative.