Appetizer

Falafel with Tahini Sauce

Falafel with Tahini Sauce is a deliciously flavorful Middle Eastern dish made with crispy, spiced chickpea patties served alongside creamy, nutty tahini sauce. Each falafel is seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, giving it a vibrant taste and crunchy texture. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, this recipe brings an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table.

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Falafel with Tahini Sauce

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Authentic Falafel with Tahini Sauce Recipe

Falafel with Tahini Sauce: A Classic Middle Eastern Recipe

Falafel with Tahini Sauce is a classic Middle Eastern dish that combines crispy, golden falafel with a creamy, nutty tahini sauce. Falafel is made from chickpeas blended with fresh herbs and spices, creating a vibrant and flavorful patty that’s perfect for a snack or meal. When paired with the smooth, slightly tangy tahini sauce, the falafel becomes even more delicious, adding a layer of richness to each bite. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome option.

Making homemade falafel is easier than you might think. Begin by soaking chickpeas and blending them with parsley, cilantro, garlic, and spices like cumin and coriander. Once the mixture is shaped into balls or patties, fry them in hot oil until they’re perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The tahini sauce, made by mixing tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and a touch of water, brings a creamy balance to the dish and can be adjusted for thickness depending on your preference. This combination of crispy falafel and smooth tahini sauce makes for an unbeatable flavor pairing.

Falafel with Tahini Sauce can be enjoyed in various ways—served in pita bread with fresh veggies, as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter, or simply on its own with a side of tahini. It’s a versatile dish that’s great for gatherings, meal prepping, or quick snacks. This recipe brings a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table and is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful, and filling meal.

How to Make Falafel with Tahini Sauce

FAQs for Falafel with Tahini Sauce Recipe

1. What is falafel made of?
Falafel is made from ground chickpeas (or sometimes fava beans) combined with fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and spices like cumin and coriander, shaped into balls or patties and then fried until crispy.

2. Can I bake falafel instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake falafel for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

3. What is tahini sauce, and how is it made?
Tahini sauce is a creamy, nutty sauce made from tahini (sesame paste), garlic, lemon juice, salt, and water. It is commonly served with falafel to add a rich, tangy flavor.

4. How do I keep falafel from falling apart when frying?
To prevent falafel from falling apart, use soaked dried chickpeas instead of canned ones and avoid over-processing the mixture. Chilling the falafel mixture for 30 minutes before shaping can also help them hold together better.

5. What can I serve with Falafel and Tahini Sauce?
Falafel and tahini sauce are perfect with pita bread, fresh salads, pickled vegetables, and other mezze dishes. They also make a great filling for wraps and bowls for a full meal.

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Recipe

Savor the crispy, flavorful taste of homemade falafel served with creamy tahini sauce, a classic Middle Eastern dish perfect as a snack or main course.

Course:
Appetizer
COOKing TIME:
15 minutes
Total TIME:
35 minutes
CUISINE:
Mediterranean
PREP TIME:
20 minutes
SERVINGS:
4

Ingredients

For the Falafel:

  • 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Tahini Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2-3 tbsp water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • Salt to taste

For Serving (Optional):

  • Fresh pita bread
  • Chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and lettuce
  • Pickled vegetables

Ingredient Swaps

  • Use canned chickpeas if dried chickpeas are unavailable (drain and pat dry to avoid excess moisture).
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt. Gradually add water, kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms. Add a little oil if desired for a softer dough. Cover and let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, mix mashed potatoes, chopped fenugreek leaves, green chili, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and cilantro. Combine well to form a spiced potato mixture for the filling.
  3. Divide and Roll the Dough: Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a small circle (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
  4. Fill the Paratha: Place a spoonful of the potato mixture in the center of the rolled dough. Bring the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside, then gently press down to flatten.
  5. Roll the Filled Paratha: Carefully roll the filled dough ball into a flat, round paratha (about 6-7 inches in diameter). Be gentle to prevent the filling from spilling out.
  6. Cook the Paratha: Heat a skillet or tawa over medium heat. Place the rolled paratha on the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, brushing with ghee or oil, until golden brown spots appear and the paratha is fully cooked.
  7. Serve: Serve hot with yogurt, pickle, or a side of chutney for a complete, flavorful meal. Enjoy!

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