Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce Recipe
This Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory Mediterranean flavors. Chickpeas, herbs, and spices come together to create perfectly golden patties, while a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce adds a nutty, tangy finish. It’s a healthy, satisfying dish that works as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Ingredients
For the Falafel
- 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight
- Or 2 cans chickpeas well drained (texture slightly softer)
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Helps bind; gluten-free flour works too.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder optional, for extra fluffiness
For the Tahini Sauce
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 –2 tablespoons water to thin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Optional Serving Ingredients
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced tomatoes cucumber, and lettuce
- Pickled vegetables
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
Step 2: Prepare Chickpeas
- If using dried chickpeas:
- Soak overnight in plenty of water
- Drain and rinse
- If using canned:
- Drain and rinse thoroughly
Step 3: Process Falafel Mixture
- In a food processor, combine:
- Chickpeas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Spices
- Pulse until coarse and well combined.
- Don’t over-process; you want texture, not paste.
- Add flour and baking powder if using.
- Pulse a few more times until it holds together when shaped.
Step 4: Shape the Falafel
- Use hands or a small cookie scoop to form 1½-inch balls or patties.
- Place on prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy
- Lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Step 6: Make Tahini Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until smooth and pourable.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve falafel warm with tahini sauce drizzled on top or in pita wraps with fresh veggies.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use canned or cooked chickpeas for faster prep.
- Fresh parsley and cilantro give the best flavor; dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
- Add garlic and onion for extra depth, finely minced or grated.
- For a crispier texture, brush falafel lightly with olive oil before baking.
- Serve immediately for best texture, or store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Substitute tahini with yogurt sauce if desired.
- Falafel can be frozen before or after baking for up to 1 month.
- Lemon juice brightens the flavor—add just before serving.