Baked Falafel Patties with Soaked Chickpeas
Greek-style baked falafel made from soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs, and warm spices. Formed into flat patties, brushed with olive oil, and baked until golden. Served with warm pitas, yogurt, fresh lettuce, and tomatoes for a Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
- 9 oz chickpeas, soaked
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ bunch parsley, fresh
- ½ bunch coriander, fresh
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika, hot
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar with honeylemon juice1:1acid
brighter acidity
- salt
- pepper
- olive oil, for pan
- 3 ½ tbsp flour
- pitas, Middle Eastern, warmed
- lettuce, fresh hearts
- tomato, fresh, chopped
- yogurt, Greek plain
Instructions
- 1
Soak chickpeas in plenty of water a day ahead until swelled, then drain.
- 2
Mash drained chickpeas in a blender.
- 3
Transfer mash to a bowl.
- 4
Puree onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, baking soda, flour, and spices together.
- 5
Add pureed mixture to chickpeas, add balsamic vinegar with honey, and mix with a spoon.
- 6
Using a spoon, take a tablespoon of mixture and form into large, flat meatball-shaped patties.
- 7
Place patties in a greased baking pan and brush with olive oil.
- 8
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- 9
Turn patties over and continue baking for 10 minutes or until extra golden.
- 10
Serve with warmed Arabic bread, Greek plain yogurt, fresh lettuce hearts, and chopped tomatoes.
Tips
Soak chickpeas a full day ahead for proper texture.
Form patties into flat, large meatball shapes for even cooking and crispy edges.
Brush patties generously with olive oil before baking for better browning.
Preheat oven well to ensure consistent baking.
Good to Know
Store cooled falafel patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 180°C oven for 5-10 minutes.
Prepare mixture up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Form and bake fresh on serving day, or bake and refrigerate, then reheat before serving.
Arrange warm patties on a plate. Serve alongside warmed pitas, dollops of Greek yogurt, fresh lettuce hearts, and chopped tomatoes. Let guests assemble their own wraps.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip preheating the oven to avoid uneven cooking and dense patties.
Do not over-blend the mixture to avoid a paste-like texture; some texture should remain.
Do not skip turning patties halfway to avoid one side being undercooked.