🧆 Falafel with Hummus & Tahini Sauce
A timeless Mediterranean street food classic made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices — shaped into balls or patties and lightly fried or baked.
Served with creamy hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh salad, it’s nutritious, plant-based, and full of authentic flavor. 🇱🇧🇮🇱
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
🧆 For the Falafel:
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1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight in water — not canned)
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½ onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro (or mix both)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp ground coriander
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½ tsp baking soda
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2 tbsp flour or chickpea flour (for binding)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Oil for frying (olive or avocado oil for a healthy option)
🌿 For the Tahini Sauce:
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¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 clove garlic, minced
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2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin out)
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Pinch of salt
🍋 For Serving:
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½ cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
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Pita bread or wraps
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Chopped tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and pickles
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mix
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Drain soaked chickpeas and pat dry.
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In a food processor, add chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley/cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, flour, salt, and pepper.
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Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse, sticky paste — not too smooth.
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Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Shape and Cook
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Using your hands or a scoop, form small balls or patties (about 1 inch).
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Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium heat.
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Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
(Alternatively, bake at 200°C / 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.)
Step 3: Make the Tahini Sauce
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In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
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Gradually add warm water until creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Serve
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Spread hummus on a plate or pita.
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Add falafel balls, drizzle with tahini sauce.
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Serve with chopped salad, pickles, and lemon wedges.
💚 Health & Nutrition Benefits
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Chickpeas | Rich in plant protein and fiber — supports digestion and heart health. |
| Olive oil | Healthy monounsaturated fats; anti-inflammatory. |
| Herbs (parsley, cilantro) | Detoxifying and rich in antioxidants. |
| Tahini | Source of calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats. |
| Garlic & cumin | Boost immunity and reduce inflammation. |
✅ Healthy Tips
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🌿 Bake instead of fry for a lighter version — same crunch, less oil.
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🥗 Pair with tabbouleh or Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
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🧊 Store cooked falafel in the fridge for up to 3 days — or freeze uncooked mixture for later.
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🍋 Always serve with lemon and tahini — they enhance the flavor and digestion.
