Falafel with Tahini Sauce

This Falafel with Tahini Sauce is a crispy, golden-brown Middle Eastern delight, made with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices. Served with a creamy, tangy tahini sauce, these falafels are perfect for stuffing into pita, adding to salads, or enjoying as a snack.

Why Everyone Loves Falafel with Tahini Sauce

Falafel is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with fresh flavors. It’s naturally vegan, protein-rich, and pairs beautifully with the creamy, nutty taste of tahini sauce. For another delicious meal idea, check out Quick & Easy Recipes for Every Home Cook.

Ingredients

Falafel:

• 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp flour or chickpea flour
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Vegetable oil for frying

Tahini Sauce:

• ½ cup tahini
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3–4 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mixture

1. Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry.
2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, baking powder, flour, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is coarse but holds together when pressed.
3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Fry the Falafel

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Using wet hands or a falafel scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties.
3. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Tahini Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

How to Serve Falafel with Tahini Sauce

• Stuff falafel into pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzle with tahini sauce.
• Serve alongside hummus, tabbouleh, or pickled vegetables.
• Add to grain bowls or salads for a protein boost.

How to Store Falafel with Tahini Sauce

• Store cooked falafel in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Freeze uncooked falafel for up to 3 months; fry directly from frozen.

Tips to Make the Best Falafel

• Always use dried chickpeas—canned chickpeas make the mixture too wet.
• Chill the mixture before frying to help the falafel hold its shape.
• If baking, brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Variations of Falafel with Tahini Sauce

• Spicy Falafel: Add extra cayenne pepper for a kick.
• Baked Falafel: Bake instead of frying for a healthier version.
• Falafel Burgers: Shape into larger patties and serve in buns.

FAQs About Falafel with Tahini Sauce

Can I air-fry falafel?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make falafel gluten-free?
Yes, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.

What if my falafel falls apart while frying?
Add more flour or refrigerate the mixture longer before shaping.

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