Easy Recipes

🧆 Falafel with Hummus & Tahini Sauce

Written by Dr. Barbara

🧆 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:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight in water — not canned)

  • ½ onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro (or mix both)

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • 2 tbsp flour or chickpea flour (for binding)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • Oil for frying (olive or avocado oil for a healthy option)

🌿 For the Tahini Sauce:

  • ¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin out)

  • Pinch of salt

🍋 For Serving:

  • ½ cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)

  • Pita bread or wraps

  • Chopped tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and pickles


👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mix

  1. Drain soaked chickpeas and pat dry.

  2. In a food processor, add chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley/cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, flour, salt, and pepper.

  3. Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse, sticky paste — not too smooth.

  4. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to firm up.


Step 2: Shape and Cook

  1. Using your hands or a scoop, form small balls or patties (about 1 inch).

  2. Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium heat.

  3. 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

  1. In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

  2. Gradually add warm water until creamy and smooth.


Step 4: Serve

  1. Spread hummus on a plate or pita.

  2. Add falafel balls, drizzle with tahini sauce.

  3. 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

  1. 🌿 Bake instead of fry for a lighter version — same crunch, less oil.

  2. 🥗 Pair with tabbouleh or Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.

  3. 🧊 Store cooked falafel in the fridge for up to 3 days — or freeze uncooked mixture for later.

  4. 🍋 Always serve with lemon and tahini — they enhance the flavor and digestion.

About the author

Dr. Barbara

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