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To make crispy baked falafel, gather these items: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch) - 1 lemon, juiced You can add these ingredients to enhance your falafel: - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric for color - 1/4 cup tahini for creaminess - A dash of soy sauce or tamari for umami Crispy baked falafel is not only tasty but also nutritious. Here’s a quick look: - Calories: About 130 per serving - Protein: Approximately 6 grams - Carbohydrates: Roughly 18 grams - Fat: About 5 grams - Fiber: Around 4 grams This recipe serves four, making it a healthy choice for a meal or snack. Enjoy the fresh herbs and spices. They not only add flavor but also important nutrients. First, gather all your ingredients. You will need chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, spices, and lemon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the falafel from sticking. In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and cilantro. Next, sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice. Pulse the mixture until well mixed but still a bit coarse. If you want extra crunch, add breadcrumbs and pulse again. Use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches wide. This size helps them cook evenly. Place the formed falafel on the lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave space between each piece. For extra crispiness, lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy on both sides. Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy baked falafel! For the full recipe, check the recipe section. To get your falafel nice and crispy, follow these steps. First, do not over-blend the chickpea mixture. You want some texture. Next, use a light touch when forming the balls. This helps air circulate while baking. Brush or spray the falafel with olive oil before baking. This adds flavor and helps with crispiness. Bake them on parchment paper to avoid sticking. Crispy baked falafel shines in many dishes. Serve it in a warm pita stuffed with fresh veggies. Add a dollop of tahini or yogurt for creaminess. You can also create a falafel salad. Just toss mixed greens with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and a squeeze of lemon. This dish works well as an appetizer too, served with dipping sauces. Want to boost the flavor? Experiment with herbs and spices. Try adding dill or mint for a fresh twist. You can also mix in some chopped chili for heat. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens every bite. Overall, these tweaks make the falafel even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Baked Falafel section. {{image_2}} Both oven-baked and air fryer methods create crispy falafel. When you use the oven, you get a nice, even bake. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the falafel on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway for even crispiness. The air fryer cooks faster. It also makes the falafel extra crunchy. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Flip halfway through for the best results. You can get creative with your falafel ingredients. For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you want a different flavor, try adding tahini or even beet puree. You can replace the chickpeas with black beans or lentils for a new twist. Fresh herbs can change the taste too. Swap parsley for mint or dill for a unique flavor. Falafel shines with dips and sauces. A classic choice is tahini sauce. Just mix tahini with lemon juice, water, and salt. Hummus also pairs well and adds creaminess. For a zesty touch, try a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill. You can serve falafel in pita with fresh veggies or simply on a plate. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas. After enjoying your crispy baked falafel, you might have some leftovers. To store them, let the falafel cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat your falafel, use an oven or toaster oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore their crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. Freezing falafel is easy and great for meal prep. To freeze, first, let them cool. Then, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer the falafel to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy your crispy baked falafel anytime! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. To get crispy falafel, follow these tips: - Dry chickpeas well. Use dried chickpeas instead of canned. Soak them overnight. - Don’t over-blend. Keep the mixture slightly coarse for better texture. - Add breadcrumbs. This helps bind the mixture and adds crunch. - Oil them up. Lightly brush the falafel with olive oil before baking. - Space them out. Place falafel on the baking sheet with space between them. These steps help create a crispy outside while keeping the inside soft and tasty. Yes, you can make falafel ahead of time! Here’s how: - Prepare the mixture. You can mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge. - Shape and chill. Form the falafel balls and chill them for up to a day. - Freeze for later. You can freeze shaped falafel for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, just bake or fry them straight from the fridge or freezer. Crispy baked falafel tastes great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Pita bread. Stuff it with falafel, fresh veggies, and tahini sauce. - Salads. A fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers pairs well. - Dips. Serve with hummus or tzatziki for a tasty experience. - Rice or quinoa. These grains make a hearty base for your meal. Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your taste! Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free! Here’s what to know: - Chickpeas are gluten-free. They are the main ingredient in falafel. - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you want extra crunch, choose gluten-free options. - Check for cross-contact. If you have allergies, ensure all ingredients are safe. This makes crispy baked falafel a great choice for many diets! For the full recipe, refer to the section above. This blog post covered how to make tasty falafel. We discussed key ingredients, baking methods, and tips for a crispy texture. You learned about delicious variations and how to store leftovers. In conclusion, falafel is a versatile dish that fits many diets. With these steps, you can enjoy it fresh or saved for later. Now, you’re ready to create your own crispy falafel!

Crispy Baked Falafel

Discover how to make crispy baked falafel that’s delicious and healthy! With simple ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices, this easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying snack or meal. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy golden-brown falafel that is great in pita or on its own. Click through to explore this recipe and elevate your cooking game with a taste of the Middle East!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)

1 lemon, juiced

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still slightly coarse (do not over-blend).

      If using, add breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind it and pulse a few more times until incorporated.

        Use your hands to form the falafel mixture into small balls or patties (about 1.5 inches in diameter).

          Place the falafel onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.

            Lightly brush or spray the falafel with olive oil for extra crispiness.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

                Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy baked falafel in a pita stuffed with fresh vegetables and a dollop of tahini sauce or yogurt, garnished with extra parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for a burst of freshness. Enjoy!