Falafel is a beloved dish originally from the Middle East, made with spiced mashed chickpeas formed into balls or fritters and often deep-fried.

This baked falafel recipe is a favorite I developed as an alternative to the greasy, dry falafels you find from street vendors. Falafel should be healthy, flavorful, moist and crispy. So I came up with these after playing around with some variations.

These healthy falafels are perfectly warm, crispy, and moist on the inside. I love them in lettuce wraps, on a salad, or as a burger.

Chickpeas are one of nature’s wonder foods. Also called garbanzo beans, one cup contains 15 grams of protein. They’re also high in fiber and folate (great for the pregger ladies out there!)

Chickpeas improve blood sugar levels, maintain bone strength, and benefit heart health. So eat up!

Let me know what you think! Leave a comment it and tag a picture #veganrecipesforcompassion on Instagram! We’d love to see what you come up with. Enjoy!

Baked Falafel Patties

• Servings: 2
• Time: 50mins
• Difficulty: moderate
• Print

A healthful and flavorful alternative to traditional falafel.

From: recipesforcompassion.com

Ingredients

falafels:
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 carrot, roughly chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ½ onion, roughly chopped
• ½ cup parsley and or cilantro
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoons flax meal
• 2 tablespoons raw tahini
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
cashew tzatziki dressing:
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup cashew butter
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon Braggs or salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon dill
• ground black pepper to taste
optional garnishes:
• cucumber, sliced thin
• red onion, sliced thin
• red bell pepper, sliced thin
• lemon wedges

Directions

1. Food process the garlic cloves. Add the rest of the falafel ingredients except the chickpeas and process until well mixed.
2. Add chickpeas and process, until approaching a hummus-like consistency.
3. Using a spoon and your hands, make 2-3” patties and press flat onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in freezer for 15 minutes to firm.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F.
5. Food process garlic first, then rest of dressing ingredients.
6. Bake for 20 minutes on top rack, until bottoms are golden, then flip. Bake 20 more minutes.
7. Garnish and serve warm in a pita or leaf bun.

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