Falafel is a kind of flattened croquette based on chickpea paste. It is prepared with similar ingredients to the famous chickpea hummus, but the chickpea falafel is made with flour and fried to achieve a more solid consistency. In this case, we are going to prepare a lighter and healthier option with this delicious baked falafel recipe that we bring you.
You can make this falafel recipe for any special occasion, as it is an appetizer that never fails and will whet the appetite of all your guests. It is perfect for sharing and is very popular among those who have a fondness for Arabic and Turkish cuisine. Discover how to make baked falafel step by step and tell us how it turns out for you!
Ingredients to make Baked Falafel:
- 500 cans of cooked chickpeas
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 piece of spring onion
- 1 sprig of coriander
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour or wheat flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, to brush the falafel
- 1 pinch of cumin
- 1 pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- 1 pinch of Vera paprika or smoked paprika
How to make Baked Falafel:
- In this opportunity, we are going to make baked falafel with cooked chickpeas, but if you don’t have them, you can put a glass of chickpeas to soak the day before and cook them later.
- They will need an hour and a half over low heat in a conventional pot, but if you prepare them in a quick or express pot they will be ready in about 45 minutes.
- When you have them ready, finely chop the onion, garlic and coriander, and add them to the drained chickpeas.
- Next, add the spices to the chickpeas: ground black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, salt and paprika.
- If you want to add or remove any, you can, but these are the most used spices to give a delicious touch to falafel.
- Crush the mixture until you have a paste of half-crushed chickpeas.
- If you prefer, you can also grind them in their entirety.
- Then add the flour so that it takes more consistency.
- You can also use breadcrumbs instead.
- Tip: Preheat the oven to 180 ºC with heat up and down.
- Mix everything until it is integrated and a malleable paste is formed.
- Make flattened balls the size of a golf ball; they should be about 1 centimeter thick.
- Brush with olive oil an oven source or special container for high temperature, deposit the falafel pieces and spread each one of the pieces with oil.
- Take the falafel tray to the oven and place it at medium height. Cook at 200ºC for 10 minutes on each side.
- If you see that it needs more time, add 5 more minutes of cooking for each side of the falafel.
- Once ready, serve them with salads and yogurt sauce, you can also enjoy it with tahini sauce and whole wheat pita bread.
Baked Falafel – Calories and other recipes
Due to its healthy preparation and light ingredients, baked falafel is one of the favorite recipes for vegans and vegetarians, as well as being very popular in Turkish food places. It can be enjoyed during lunch, dinner or between meals, so it is also very versatile.
Its origin is not entirely certain, but it is consumed mainly in the Middle East and Turkey, although today it has spread throughout the world. Baked falafel has approximately 237 Kcal per 100 and has a low percentage of fats, without counting on a rich contribution of proteins and minerals.
