Description
These Baked Falafel Bites with Spicy Tahini Dip are a delightful, healthier twist on traditional falafel, combining the nutty richness of pistachios and fresh herbs. Baked to golden perfection and paired with a zesty, spicy tahini sauce infused with mint and jalapeño, this recipe offers a flavorful, satisfying appetizer or snack that’s both gluten-friendly and vegetarian.
Ingredients
Scale
For Falafel
- 1 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves and stems
- 1/2 cup dill leaves and stems
- 1/2 cup parsley leaves and stems
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
- 1 Tbsp. chickpea or all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
For Spicy Mint Tahini Sauce
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 3 Tbsp. water (to blend)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare falafel mixture: In a food processor, pulse the pistachios, mint, cilantro, dill, and parsley until they are finely ground. Add the cooked chickpeas, garlic, chopped onion, olive oil, lemon zest, flour, baking soda, salt, coriander, and cumin. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Form and bake falafel: Using your hands, shape the falafel mixture into about 20 small balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned and falafel are cooked through.
- Make spicy tahini sauce: While the falafel is baking, combine tahini, mint leaves, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, jalapeño, and kosher salt in a blender. Blend, gradually adding water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Serve: Remove the baked falafel from the oven and serve warm alongside the spicy mint tahini dipping sauce.
Notes
- For best texture, use well-drained chickpeas and pulse the ingredients without over-processing to maintain a slightly coarse falafel mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, include jalapeño seeds or add extra jalapeño.
- These falafel bites freeze well; bake, cool, then freeze in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a crispy finish.
- For gluten-free version, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Mint and herb quantities can be adjusted based on freshness and personal taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approximately 5 falafel bites with sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
