Heart-Healthy Classic Falafel Balls
These *Heart-Healthy Classic Falafel Balls* are a nutritious twist on the beloved Middle Eastern staple, baked to golden perfection and packed with wholesome ingredients. Made with protein-rich dried chickpeas, aromatic herbs like parsley and cilantro, and warm spices such as cumin and coriander, this recipe delivers bold, authentic flavors while ditching the deep fryer for a lighter, oven-baked approach. With just 20 minutes of prep time and no added oils beyond a drizzle of olive oil, these falafel balls are perfect for anyone seeking a heart-healthy, plant-based meal. Serve them in whole grain pita, atop a vibrant salad, or paired with creamy tahini for the ultimate guilt-free indulgence. Whether for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these falafel balls are a nutritious, flavorful centerpiece you'll want to make again and again.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams Dried chickpeas
- 1 medium Onion, roughly chopped
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 30 grams Parsley, fresh, chopped
- 30 grams Cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Whole wheat flour
Instructions
Rinse the dried chickpeas well, then place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 12 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse again before use.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, baking soda, lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is coarse yet holds together when formed into a ball. Be sure not to over-process, as the mixture should not be too smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the whole wheat flour. This will help bind the mixture.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the falafel balls lightly with a bit more olive oil to encourage browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these falafel balls with whole grain pita, fresh salad, and a side of tahini sauce for a heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1176 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.6 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3079 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 163.4 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.1 g | 154% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.8 g | ||
| Protein | 46.1 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 411 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 2571 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
