Healthy Baked Falafel

If you haven’t tried falafel by now you should try this healthy baked falafel recipe. Falafel is that kind of comforting food that is delicious, quick, and perfect for any time of the day.

As you know falafel is a deep-fried traditional Middle Eastern food. If you bake them they get healthier and with fewer calories, which is great. They are still crispy on the outside and soft inside even if they are baked.

I make falafel pretty often for my family. My daughters are eating them well alongside fresh vegetables.  Another thing I like about falafel is the use of huge amount of herbs. Making kids eat herbs can be quite an adventure sometimes. Hidden inside the falafel is such a good way to include herbs in their meal. If you make falafel for kids you may consider using less chili powder or replacing it with sweet paprika.

You can serve falafel as usual in a pita bread pocket with lots of vegetables and tahini base sauce but it can also be a great appetizer idea for parties. Or use falafel to make falafel burgers.  Any way you want it, it is delicious.

Falafel can be made in advance too as it can be refrigerated for up to several days and even frozen. Give this baked falafel a try, it is worth all the time invested.

Baked Falafel closeup

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Baked Falafel

Baked Falafel

5 from 1 vote
Baked crispy falafel recipe, healthier and with less calories. Serve it with pita bread, lots of vegetables and tahini base sauce. Ideal for any time of the day
Servings 20 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound (250g) dry chickpeas
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tsp cumin , grounded
  • 2 tsp coriander , grounded
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 or 3 tbsp  oil , for greasing

Instructions
 

  • Put the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with water. The chickpeas will grow in volume while soaking. Soak for 12 to 24 hours, I usually leave them overnight.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 F (200C).
  • Chop parsley or/and cilantro and onion and place in the bowl of your food processor.
    falafel_step2falafel_step3
  • Add garlic, flour and baking soda. Add spices salt and pepper. Process until everything is well combined. Transfer to a large bowl.
    falafel_step4falafel_step5
  • Add chickpeas on the food processor’s bowl. Process until chickpeas are minced, not puree. You will probably need to scrape down the sides in the process.
    falafel_step6falafel_step7
  • Add the chickpeas to the herbs mixture and stir to combine well.
    falafel_step8falafel_step9
  • Grease a baking sheet with oil. Form balls and flatten them into thick patties.  Put the falafel on the baking sheet and brush with a bit of oil.
    falafel_step10falafel_step11
  • Bake for 10 minutes on one side and for about 10-15 minutes on the other side until golden.
  • Serve with pita bread, fresh vegetable and hummus or tahini sauce.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 8.7gProtein: 2.5gFat: 2.1gSugar: 1.4g
Calories: 62kcal
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Middle East
Keyword: baked falafel, chickpeas patties, falafel, pita bread falafel, traditional falafel recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @homecookingadventure on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookingadventure.

Join the Conversation

  1. Thalia @ butter and brioche Author says:

    I have never made my own falafel from scratch before. Thanks for the recipe, you have definitely inspired me to try it!

  2. Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen Author says:

    I’ve never made falafel before – but looking at those ingredients, I know that I’d love them. What is not to love about chickpeas? 🙂

  3. Rosa Author says:

    A wonderful idea. Your felafels look really appetizing.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

  4. Dedy@Dentist Chef Author says:

    wow, lovely healthy brunch material!!!
    glad even more it’s less calories too….

  5. Laura Dembowski Author says:

    I have always wanted to make falafel. I think it is so cool that they are make from dried chickpeas that have been soaked but not cooked.

  6. Maureen Author says:

    I love falafel but I’ve only ever shallow fried them. I’m eager to give your recipe a try!

  7. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking Author says:

    I love these falafels! So many fresh herbs. I didn’t realize that they were this easy! I’ll definitely need to make them soon!

  8. Rachel @ Bakerita Author says:

    I’ve never tried making falafel from scratch, but I do love it! I definitely want to try this…looks so so good!

  9. Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen Author says:

    Love how packed with fresh herbs they are! They look so healthy and delicious!

  10. matmedmera Author says:

    Interessant recipe! I love to tried it!

  11. You dont have to boil the chickpeas after soaking? How abt canned chickpeas, will it alter the calorie content?

    1. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure Author says:

      I was as surprised as you when I first made them.. as they don't need to be boiled after soaking. Seems this is the original way of making falafel, but you can use canned chickpeas as well, probably will be a slight change on texture but not that big. Drain them well before using.  Not sure about the change in calories. I don't think it's such a big difference.

  12. Adeeha Author says:

    Hi Ella

    Hope you are doing well.
    Thanks for sharing the recipe. I tried this recipe last night. turned out good esp thanks to your video. it comes in really handy.
    One little question i have. Falafel were slightly dry even from inside. any particular reason for that. I have had falafel at restaurants as its a common appetizer here in UAE but they are slightly moist from inside.

    any tip to improve onto that ?

    thanks once again 🙂

    1. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure Author says:

      The reason these are more dry is because they are baked. The ones you had at the restaurant are fried, and this makes them moist. You can try frying them, I am sure you will love them like this too. 

  13. Sunitha Author says:

    Hi that seems like a good recipe. I will try it out soon. I have a question, did you use all purpose flour?

    1. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure Author says:

      yes… all purpose flour works good..let me know if you try them out:)

  14. Emily Author says:

    Do i have to use coriander and cumin to make the falafel?

  15. Tracy Author says:

    First time making falafel, loved it! Didn’t have coriander but still was very happy. Served them with lettuce wraps for a lite dinner, with leftovers to pack lunch

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