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Crispy Mediterranean Falafel Bowl

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A quick and easy homemade falafel bowl featuring crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing for a wholesome Mediterranean meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
  • Olive oil for pan-frying
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Soak the chickpeas in cold water overnight or at least 12 hours until they double in size. Drain and rinse before using.
  2. In a food processor, combine soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarse but well combined, aiming for a grainy texture.
  3. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Add baking powder and flour, mixing gently until the mixture holds together but is not too dry. Adjust flour as needed.
  4. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties about 1.5 inches in diameter. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, shredded carrot, olives, and chopped mint. Toss lightly.
  6. Whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed.
  7. Heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry falafel balls for 3-4 minutes per side until deep golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  8. Assemble the bowl by arranging falafel over the fresh veggie mix. Drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing and optionally sprinkle extra fresh herbs or sumac.

Notes

Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight for best texture. Pulse chickpeas to a coarse texture, not a paste. Baking powder helps with lightness. Fry over medium heat to avoid burning. Chill mixture if too loose before frying. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea or almond flour. Baking option: bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: falafel, Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, crispy falafel, lemon tahini dressing, healthy meal, chickpeas, homemade falafel

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-mediterranean-falafel-bowl-recipe-easy-homemade-veggie-meal/