How to Make the Perfect Baked Falafel with Tahini Dressing
Middle Eastern · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
These crispy baked falafels are made entirely from whole food plant based ingredients including dried chickpeas, herbs, and spices without any added oil for frying. They deliver authentic Middle Eastern flavor and satisfying texture while remaining light and nourishing.
Why this recipe works
This Baked Falafel with Tahini Dressing recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mixture
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain and rinse the soaked dried chickpeas thoroughly and add them to a food processor along with fresh parsley, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Pulse 20 to 25 times until a coarse crumbly mixture forms that holds together when pressed.
Step 2: Shape the Falafels
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small patties about one and a half inches wide and half an inch thick. Place them on the prepared baking sheet leaving space between each one. The mixture should be slightly sticky and compact without being wet.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Bake the falafels in the preheated oven for 12 minutes then carefully flip each one and bake for another 12 to 13 minutes until both sides are deeply golden and crispy. The exterior should be firm and the interior should be tender and fluffy.
Step 4: Make Tahini Dressing
While the falafels bake, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice in a small bowl. Add two to four tablespoons of water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable drizzling consistency. Season with a pinch of salt and stir well before drizzling generously over the warm falafels.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- dried chickpeas soaked overnight → canned chickpeas work in a pinch but the texture will be softer and less crispy
- fresh parsley → fresh cilantro or a combination of both herbs for a brighter flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using canned chickpeas instead of soaked dried chickpeas which makes the mixture too wet to hold its shape
- Over processing the mixture in the food processor which creates a paste that produces dense and gummy falafels
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 16g protein, 44g carbs, 12g fat, 10g fiber.
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