Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki

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Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds dancing?

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Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki
Prep
40 min
Cook
50 min
Total
1 hr 40 min
Servings
12

Method

  1. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic powder, sugar, lemon zest, mint, and dill.

  2. Adjust the seasonings to taste and refrigerate the tzatziki until ready to serve with falafel.

  3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

  4. In a food processor, combine jalapeno peppers, parsley, green onions, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped and fully blended.

  5. Scrape down the mixture and add chickpeas. Pulse several times until just blended and chickpeas are broken up, but the texture is still rough. Do not overblend.

  6. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.

  7. Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek seasoning, cumin, 1/2 tablespoon salt, paprika, pepper, and chili powder to the chickpea mixture. Stir with a spatula until fully incorporated.

  8. Add chickpea flour a few tablespoons at a time and stir. The final mixture should be wet but not falling apart when handled.

  9. Place the bowl in the freezer, uncovered, to firm up the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.

  10. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and brush it with olive oil.

  11. Remove the chickpea mixture from the freezer and form it into 20 to 24 small balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.

  12. 12.

About this recipe

Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds dancing? Look no further than this recipe for Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki. Not only is it delicious, but it's also packed with protein and full of bold flavors that will have your family begging for seconds.

Why choose baked falafel over fried?

While traditional falafel is deep-fried to achieve that crispy exterior, this recipe takes a healthier twist by baking the falafel instead. Baking not only reduces the amount of oil used, but it also cuts down on the overall calorie count. Plus, you'll still get that satisfying crunch on the outside with a soft and flavorful center.

The secret to flavorful falafel

What sets this recipe apart from the rest is the addition of spice. By incorporating a variety of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, each bite of falafel bursts with flavor. The spices not only add depth to the dish but also create a tantalizing aroma that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly.

Pairing falafel with tzatziki

No falafel dish is complete without a creamy and refreshing tzatziki sauce. This Greek yogurt-based sauce perfectly complements the spiciness of the falafel and adds a cool and tangy element to the dish. With a hint of garlic, cucumber, and lemon, tzatziki brings a burst of freshness that balances out the bold flavors of the falafel.

The benefits of homemade falafel

By making your own falafel at home, you have complete control over the ingredients used. You can choose to use organic chickpeas, adjust the spice level to your liking, and experiment with different herbs and seasonings. Plus, homemade falafel is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.

How to serve falafel

Falafel is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. You can stuff it into a pita pocket with fresh veggies and drizzle with tzatziki sauce for a classic falafel sandwich. Alternatively, you can serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa for a hearty and satisfying meal. Don't forget to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

So, what are you waiting for?

It's time to spice up your dinner routine with this Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki recipe. From the aromatic spices to the creamy tzatziki, every bite is a burst of flavor that will transport you to the streets of the Mediterranean. Give it a try and watch as your family falls in love with this delicious and healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the falafel mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the falafel even more delicious.

. Can I freeze the baked falafel?

Absolutely! Once the falafel has cooled completely, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Just make sure to thaw them before reheating in the oven or toaster oven.

. Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried ones?

Yes, you can use canned chickpeas if you're short on time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before using in the recipe.

. Can I substitute the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with a dairy-free alternative?

Of course! If you're lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet, you can use dairy-free yogurt or even coconut milk yogurt as a substitute.

. Can I make the falafel gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make the falafel gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour or a combination of almond flour and chickpea flour.

. Can I adjust the level of spice in the falafel?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder falafel, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Feel free to customize the spice level to suit your taste.

. Can I use a different sauce instead of tzatziki?

Definitely! If tzatziki isn't your preference, you can try serving the falafel with hummus, tahini sauce, or even a spicy harissa sauce for an extra kick.

. Can I make the falafel in an air fryer?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an air fryer. Simply follow the same instructions but cook the falafel in the air fryer according to its settings. The result will be a crispy and healthier version of falafel.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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