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–+ servings
Falafel balls on a wooden cutting board.
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4.75 from 4 votes

Healthy Baked Falafel

This easy falafel recipe is baked instead of fried in oil, which gives you all the great flavor and health benefits, without all the calories and saturated fat. It's well-seasoned with a combination of aromatic herbs and spices. The baked falafel has a crunchy exterior with a moist, tender interior. Delish!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: baked falafel, healthy falafel
Servings: 4
Calories: 211kcal

Ingredients

  • 15 oz chickpeas one can, drained and rinsed
  • 1 onion small, chopped
  • 1/2 cup parsley fresh, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro fresh, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground.
  • Add the flour to the chickpea mixture and pulse a few times. The mixture should hold together when formed into a ball. If it's too dry, add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  • Shape the mixture into balls or patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you don't mind a little bit of oil, you can brush the tops with olive oil for extra flavor.
  • Bake the falafel for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and firm to the touch.
  • Serve hot with pita bread, vegetables, sauce, or on a bed of rice or salad.

Notes

  • You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat, bake the falafel in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 597mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 979IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 4mg