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- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or breadcrumbs) When I make baked falafel, I use chickpeas as the main ingredient. They provide a nice base. Fresh parsley and cilantro add flavor. The onion and garlic give it a savory touch. I love using spices like cumin and coriander. They bring warmth and depth to the dish. Salt and pepper are key to balancing flavors. I also add lemon juice for a bright kick. Olive oil keeps everything moist and helps with browning. Whole wheat flour or breadcrumbs acts as a binder. - 1 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt) - 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or mint) - Salt and pepper to taste For the tzatziki sauce, I prefer Greek yogurt for creaminess. If you need a dairy-free option, go for dairy-free yogurt. Grated cucumber adds a cool crunch. Garlic and lemon juice give extra flavor. Fresh dill or mint provides a refreshing taste. Salt and pepper help round out the sauce. You can find the full recipe above to make this dish at home. Enjoy the fresh and savory flavors of baked falafel with tzatziki sauce! First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the falafel get crispy. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the falafel from sticking. Now, grab a food processor. Add the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse this mixture until it’s coarse but not smooth. You want some texture. Next, add the lemon juice and olive oil. Blend again until mixed. Then, sprinkle in the whole wheat flour (or breadcrumbs). Pulse a few more times until the dough holds together. If it feels sticky, add a bit more flour. Now it’s time to form the falafel. With your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Aim for golf ball size. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Pop the baking sheet into your oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, flip the falafel to ensure even cooking. They should be golden and crispy when done. While the falafel bakes, let’s make the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir in the chopped dill or mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning as you like. A little extra lemon juice can add a nice zing. This tzatziki sauce pairs perfectly with your crispy falafel. Enjoy the fresh flavors! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make great baked falafel, the right mixture is key. You want a thick dough that sticks together. If your mix is too wet, add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice. The goal is to form small balls or patties that hold their shape while baking. For extra crispiness, bake the falafel at a high temperature. I recommend 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Brush or spray a bit of olive oil on top of the falafel before baking. This simple step helps create a golden crust. Flip the falafel halfway through the baking time for even crispiness. You can serve baked falafel in many fun ways! Place the falafel on a platter with a bowl of tzatziki sauce for dipping. This combo is a hit at any gathering. You can also stuff them into pita bread with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Pair your falafel with sides like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. A side of hummus adds a nice touch, too. For a complete meal, serve it with quinoa or couscous. Each bite can be a new flavor experience! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. {{image_2}} To make your baked falafel extra tasty, you can add spices. Paprika gives it a warm kick. Cayenne adds heat, but you can use a little. A pinch goes a long way! You can also try different herbs. Adding mint gives a fresh taste. Basil can add a sweet note that brightens the dish. Experiment with these to find your favorite flavor! If you're gluten-free, swap whole wheat flour for gluten-free flour or oats. This keeps the falafel crispy and delicious. For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, this recipe is already perfect! Just use dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki sauce. It will still taste great. You can easily enjoy this dish no matter your dietary needs! To keep your baked falafel fresh, start by placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing works well. Just place the falafel on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. For tzatziki sauce, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three to five days. To keep it tasting great, try to use a clean spoon each time you scoop some out. If the sauce separates, just give it a good stir. If you notice any excess water from the cucumber, drain it off before serving. This helps maintain the sauce's creamy texture. For the best flavor, use it within the first few days after making it. What can I substitute for chickpeas? If you can't find chickpeas, you can use white beans or lentils. Both options work well and provide a similar texture. Just remember to cook lentils before blending them. This keeps your falafel tasty and smooth. Can I bake falafel without oil? Yes, you can bake falafel without oil. Just use a non-stick baking sheet. It may not be as crispy, but the falafel will still be delicious. You can also try using a light spray of cooking oil for a bit of crispiness. Is there a dairy-free alternative for tzatziki? Absolutely! You can use dairy-free yogurt made from coconut or almond. This will give you a tasty tzatziki sauce without dairy. Just follow the same recipe and enjoy the fresh flavors. How long can tzatziki sauce be stored? Tzatziki sauce stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If it starts to smell sour, it’s time to toss it. Can I make baked falafel ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the falafel mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors blend nicely. How do I know when the falafel is done? Your falafel is done when it turns golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check with a fork; it should feel firm but not hard. This shows that they are ready to eat! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! In this post, we covered how to make baked falafel and tzatziki sauce. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect flavor. You can create tasty variations and explore storage methods to keep your dishes fresh. Remember, baking falafel can be fun and healthy. Experiment with different spices to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious meals you create!

Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce

Savor the flavors of Crispy Baked Falafel with Zesty Tzatziki, a delightful dish that's both healthy and easy to make! Packed with chickpeas and fresh herbs, these golden bites are perfect for dipping in creamy tzatziki sauce. Discover step-by-step instructions to create this delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or breadcrumbs)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)

1/2 cucumber, grated and drained

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or mint)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

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

    In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until a coarse mixture forms.

      Add the flour (or breadcrumbs) to the mixture and pulse a couple of times until combined. The dough should hold together but not be overly sticky; adjust with more flour if necessary.

        Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or patties, approximately the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.

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

            While the falafel bakes, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

              Remove the falafel from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the falafel warm on a platter with the tzatziki sauce in a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with extra herbs and cucumber slices for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal!