Heart-Healthy Crispy Homemade Falafels
Discover the ultimate recipe for **Heart-Healthy Crispy Homemade Falafels**—a flavorful twist on a classic Middle Eastern favorite that’s baked, not fried, for a guilt-free indulgence! Packed with plant-based protein from soaked chickpeas and brimming with fresh bursts of flavor from parsley, cilantro, red onion, and garlic, these falafels are as nutritious as they are delicious. Aromatic spices like cumin and coriander elevate the taste, while a touch of olive oil ensures a perfectly crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Perfect for meal prep, these falafels are easy to bake and come together in under an hour, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Serve them with creamy tahini sauce, in whole-grain pita bread, or atop a vibrant salad for a filling, heart-healthy meal.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried chickpeas
- 1 medium Red onion
- 1 cup Fresh parsley
- 1 cup Fresh cilantro
- 4 large Garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Whole wheat flour
Instructions
Place 1 cup of dried chickpeas in a large bowl and cover them with cold water, ensuring there is at least 2 inches of water above the chickpeas. Soak overnight for 12-24 hours.
Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, roughly chopped red onion, parsley, cilantro, peeled garlic cloves, cumin, coriander, baking powder, black pepper, and salt. Pulse until you achieve a coarse paste, making sure not to over-blend; the mixture should have some texture.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, then add the olive oil and whole wheat flour. Mix well with a spatula or your hands until thoroughly combined.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the falafel mixture into small balls or patties, about 2 tablespoons per falafel, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the falafels lightly with a bit more olive oil to help them achieve a crispy texture when baked.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip each falafel carefully and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the falafels are golden brown and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
Serve the heart-healthy falafels warm with a side of tahini sauce, in whole grain pita bread, or over a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1310 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.9 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2921 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.4 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.5 g | 155% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.4 g | ||
| Protein | 46.6 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 458 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 21.9 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 2822 mg | 60% | |
*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.
