Crunchy Baked Falafel Balls

Creating the perfect crispy chickpea delights requires attention to texture, which is crucial for that delightful crunch. Here are several tips to ensure your falafel turns out just right.

Discover the joy of Crispy Chickpea Delights, a nutritious and delicious alternative to fried snacks. These baked falafel balls are easy to make, packed with protein, and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. With their delightful crunch and robust flavor, they can be enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or light meals. Explore different herbs and spices to customize your dish, and elevate your dining experience with innovative serving suggestions that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

Optional: tahini sauce, for serving

Optional: fresh veggies (lettuce, tomato, cucumber) for serving

Instructions

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

Blend Chickpeas: In a food processor, add the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but holds together when formed into balls.

Add Flour: Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and fold in the flour. Mix until the flour is fully incorporated. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour; it should be moldable but not sticky.

Shape Balls: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Drizzle Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the falafel balls, tossing them gently to coat. This will help them achieve a golden, crunchy texture when baked.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Serve: Serve the crispy baked falafel warm, drizzled with tahini sauce or wrapped in pita bread with fresh veggies.

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