I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this Baked Vegan Falafel recipe with you! This dish holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of the first meals I learned to make when I decided to eat more plant-based. I remember the first time I brought these falafels to a potluck; my friends were amazed that they were vegan and baked – not fried! You could almost see the relief on their faces when they discovered they could indulge without the guilt. Trust me, these little bites of flavor are perfect for any occasion.
What makes this falafel uniquely delicious is that you can easily adapt it with different spices and herbs based on your preferences. Plus, I love that the recipe is straightforward and accessible – even for those of you who may shy away from cooking.
What’s in Baked Vegan Falafel?
Chickpeas: The star of our show! These little legumes are packed with protein and fiber. I prefer using canned chickpeas for convenience, but dried chickpeas soaked overnight work wonders too.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a sweet and savory base to the falafel. I usually go for yellow onions, but red onions bring a lovely color!
Garlic: You can never go wrong with garlic! It adds an aromatic depth that makes your falafel taste incredible. I usually use crushed fresh garlic for a stronger flavor.
Fresh Parsley: I adore the bright freshness that parsley brings! It’s surprising how a handful of it can brighten the flavor of these falafels.
Spices: Cumin and coriander give our falafel that wonderful warm, earthy flavor. Sometimes I throw in a pinch of cayenne for a little kick!
Baking Powder: A touch of baking powder gives these falafels a light, airy texture without frying.
Breadcrumbs: For binding the ingredients together, I usually opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs, but gluten-free options are also available if needed.
Olive Oil: A little drizzle of olive oil helps to keep the falafel moist while baking and adds that essential richness.
Is Baked Vegan Falafel Good for You?
Oh absolutely! Not only are these falafels plant-based and full of flavor, but they also pack some real health benefits:
Chickpeas: They provide a hefty dose of protein and fiber that keeps you feeling satisfied without the heaviness of fried foods.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley are rich in antioxidants, while spices like cumin and coriander can aid in digestion.
That said, if you’re watching your sodium intake, be mindful of how much salt you add in the seasoning or when using canned chickpeas. And measuring those breadcrumbs carefully can help keep them in check!
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 18 delicious falafels.
– 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Baked Vegan Falafel?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still a bit chunky.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs and olive oil. (You can adjust the amount of breadcrumbs based on the texture – it should hold together when shaped.)
4. Use your hands to form small balls or patties with the mixture and place them on the baking sheet.
5. Bake the falafels for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like tahini or a vegan yogurt sauce!
Customize Your Falafel Adventure!
Here are some fun ideas to switch things up with your baked falafels:
– **Spice It Up:** Add some finely chopped chili peppers to your mixture for an extra kick.
– **Herb Alternatives:** Experiment with other herbs like cilantro or dill for a different flavor profile.
– **Dips and Sauces:** Don’t stop at tahini! Try a spicy harissa sauce or even a zesty avocado lime dressing.
I hope you give this recipe a try! It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy a healthy plant-based meal. Let me know how yours turn out, and feel free to share any tweaks or modifications you make. Happy cooking!