Falafel

Typically deep fried in oil, falafel is a vegan dish that packs flavor and protein. These round balls are made from ground up chickpeas, parsley, garlic, and aromatic spices before being air fried until golden brown without the use of excess oil. I like to serve them in romaine lettuce wraps rather than high-carb pita bread with salad veggies and the traditional sauce made from ground sesame seeds.

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Falafel

Prep Time
20 mins

Cook Time
12 mins

Serves
2

INGREDIENTS

1 (15.5-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2/3 cup packed fresh parsley leaves

1/4 cup minced yellow onion

2 tablespoons brown rice flour

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon salt

Olive oil spray

4 romaine lettuce leaves

2 small tomatoes, sliced

1/2 cucumber, sliced

Tahini Sauce

3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk

2 tablespoons tahini paste

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cumin

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1/2 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

In a food processor, pulse chickpeas, parsley, onion, rice flour, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, and salt just until combined into a crumbly dough.

Using your hands, roll the dough into ping pong-sized balls and set aside. For best results, spray the dough balls lightly with olive oil spray.

Preheat an air fryer at 400°F for 3 minutes before cooking.

Arrange the dough balls at the bottom of the preheated air fryer. Cook for 12 minutes, rotating every 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, arrange the romaine lettuce leaves, tomato, and cucumber on 2 serving plates or a large serving platter.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all Tahini Sauce ingredients to combine.

Serve the cooked falafel balls over or wrapped in the romaine lettuce with the vegetables and Tahini Sauce on the side.

Mona’s Tips

This also makes a great appetizer to serve 4. If preparing as an appetizer you can skip the salad ingredients and simply serve the cooked falafel on a platter with the Tahini Sauce for dipping.

Ingredient Insider

Tahini is a paste made from toasted sesame seeds. You will usually find it in the ethnic foods section near the kosher foods. Like natural peanut butter it tends to separate as it sits so you will need to stir it well before using.

Calories per serving: 455 ∙ Fat: 20g ∙ Net Carbs: 39g ∙ Fiber: 16g ∙ Sugars: 7.5g ∙ Protein: 17g