Whole30 Classic Falafel Balls
These Whole30 Classic Falafel Balls are a wholesome, plant-based delight that's perfect for clean eating enthusiasts. Made with nutrient-packed dried chickpeas, fresh parsley, and cilantro, and spiced with aromatic cumin and coriander, these falafels deliver bold Mediterranean flavors with every bite. Baked instead of fried, they're a healthier twist on the traditional method, achieving a golden, crispy exterior while staying soft and flavorful inside. Finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch, these falafel balls are both gluten-free and Whole30 compliant, making them ideal for those following a Whole30 diet or looking for guilt-free snack options. Serve them in lettuce wraps, over salads, or paired with your favorite Whole30-approved dips for a satisfying, customizable meal that's sure to impress. Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners, these falafels are a must-try for lovers of bold and healthy cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
Soak the dried chickpeas in a large bowl of cold water for at least 12 hours or overnight. They should expand significantly in size.
Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them thoroughly. Transfer them to a food processor.
Add the fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, roughly chopped medium onion, and garlic cloves to the food processor with the chickpeas.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, sea salt, and baking soda.
Pulse the mixture in the food processor repeatedly until the ingredients are finely minced but still have some texture, resembling coarse sand. Avoid over-processing into a paste.
Transfer the falafel mixture into a bowl and cover; let it rest in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and mixture to firm slightly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using your hands or a scoop, shape the falafel mixture into 1.5-inch balls, compacting them gently.
Arrange falafel balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Brush or spray the falafel balls lightly with olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Serve these Whole30 falafel balls over salad, in lettuce wraps, or with your favorite Whole30 compliant dip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1219 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.6 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.3 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3070 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 150.6 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 42.6 g | 152% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.0 g | ||
| Protein | 47.4 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 435 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 21.8 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 2806 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.
