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- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick) - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - Salt and black pepper, to taste These ingredients create a base full of flavor. The chickpeas give protein and fiber, while herbs add freshness. - Lemon juice for brightness - Chili flakes for more heat - Tahini for creaminess - Roasted red pepper for a smoky touch These extras can elevate your falafel. Lemon adds zing, while tahini gives a rich taste that pairs well. Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber. They help keep you full for longer. Fresh herbs boost vitamins and antioxidants. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties, and olive oil offers healthy fats. Together, these ingredients create a tasty and nutritious dish. You can serve these golden brown bites with a side of veggies for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the Golden Brown Baked Falafel Made Easy section. - Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the falafel get crispy. - Preparing the Ingredients Gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Blending the Mixture In a food processor, add the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, baking powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Blend until coarsely mixed. Scrape the sides often. Keep some texture in the mixture for airy falafel. - Rolling Techniques With clean, slightly damp hands, take small amounts of the mixture. Roll them into balls or flatten them into patties, each about 1 inch wide. This makes them easy to cook and eat. - Placing on Baking Sheet Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the shaped falafel on the sheet, leaving space between each one. This helps them bake evenly. - Drizzling with Olive Oil Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the falafel. This helps them turn a nice golden brown as they bake. - Flipping for Even Cooking Bake the falafel for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, gently flip each one. This ensures both sides get crispy and brown. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your golden brown baked falafel! To get the right texture, avoid over-blending your mixture. Pulse it until the chickpeas are coarsely mixed. The mixture should feel slightly grainy but not mushy. This keeps the falafel light and airy. If you want a crunch, add some toasted sesame seeds. They give a nice bite. Bake your falafel at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. This heat makes them golden and crispy. Halfway through, flip the falafel for even cooking. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Each oven is different, so check for that perfect golden color. Fresh herbs are key! Use parsley and cilantro for a bright taste. You can also add spices like cumin and coriander for depth. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat if you like spice. For extra flavor, let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before shaping it. This helps the spices blend well. Check the full recipe for more tips on enhancing flavors. {{image_4}} To add heat to your falafel, include more cayenne pepper. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Enjoy the extra kick in every bite! Get creative with herbs! Try adding fresh dill, mint, or basil. Each herb brings a unique flavor to the falafel. Mix them into the base for a fresh twist. You can even combine different herbs for a more complex taste. Baked falafel fits many meals. Serve them in pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and tahini sauce for a tasty wrap. You can also make a falafel salad with mixed greens and a yogurt dressing. For a fun snack, pair falafel with hummus and fresh veggies. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! You can store leftover falafel in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze falafel, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. Then, transfer the falafel to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. This method keeps them fresh and tasty. Reheating falafel is simple. You can bake or pan-fry them for the best results. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the falafel on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. If pan-frying, add a bit of oil to a skillet and heat over medium. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are warm and crispy again. Enjoy your falafel just like when they were fresh! For the full recipe, check out the Golden Brown Baked Falafel Made Easy. Yes, you can make baked falafel without a food processor. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the chickpeas. Chop the onion, garlic, and herbs finely. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, ensuring you have a good texture. This method may take more time, but it works well. To make your falafel gluten-free, skip any bread crumbs. Instead, use ground oats or rice flour. These options help bind the falafel without gluten. Always check labels on ingredients, especially spices, to avoid hidden gluten. Baked falafel pairs great with many dishes. Serve it with a fresh salad, tahini sauce, or yogurt. You can also add it to a pita with veggies. For a heartier meal, enjoy it with rice or quinoa. Each option adds flavor and nutrition. In this post, I covered how to make baked falafel. We started with key ingredients and optional add-ins. Then, I walked you through the preparation steps and tips for the perfect texture. I also shared fun variations to try. Finally, I explained how to store leftover falafel and answered common questions. By following these steps, you can make tasty and healthy falafel. Enjoy your cooking adventure and treat yourself to this delicious dish!

Golden Brown Baked Falafel Made Easy

Discover the joy of making Golden Brown Baked Falafel Made Easy! This delicious recipe combines simple ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and spices for a nutritious meal everyone will love. Perfect for meal prep or as a tasty snack, these baked falafels are crispy on the outside and soft inside. Ready in just 40 minutes, click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

    In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, sesame seeds, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.

      Pulse the ingredients together until they are coarsely blended, making sure to periodically scrape down the sides of the bowl. The mixture should retain some texture; avoid over-blending it to keep the falafel light and airy.

        Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well until the oil is fully incorporated into the mixture. Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavors.

          With clean, slightly moistened hands, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or shape them into patties, each about 1 inch in diameter. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to ensure even baking.

            Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the falafel so they bake to a lovely golden brown.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, flip the falafel gently to allow both sides to become crispy and golden.

                Once baked, remove the falafel from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the warm falafel on a beautiful platter alongside a bowl of tahini sauce for dipping. Add fresh vegetable sticks such as cucumber and carrot for a colorful side. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra chopped parsley to bring brightness to the dish.