Oil-Free Authentic Falafel is a healthier version of traditional falafel. A delicious mix of chickpeas, herbs, and spices, you'll love these healthy falafels!

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Is anyone else absolutely obsessed with falafel? I LOVE falafel and I feel no shame about ordering it whenever I find myself at a Mediterranean restaurant.

There's something about fried chickpeas that is just incredible! And yes, I will eat fried food as a treat, but I don't want to make it a part of my regular routine. Hence, this tasty falafel recipe was born. It's just as delicious as traditional fried falafel, but it's baked instead. So much better for you!

Let's dive in!

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Recipe Features

• Dietary needs — this recipe is dairy-free, plant-based, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free
• Perfect main dish or appetizer— falafel makes a great main dish, serve alongside some grilled veggies or on a salad; you can also eat a few balls as a fun appetizer
• Twist on a classic — the falafel is baked instead of fried, but still features all the ingredients found in traditional falafel

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The secret to good falafel

I'm going to tell you a secret: the reason your falafel has never worked before is that you used canned chickpeas.

For the best falafel use dry chickpeas!!

Do not use canned chickpeas for this recipe. Canned chickpeas are too soft and will create a mushy mess that won't form into balls. Instead, buy a bag of dry chickpeas (it's cheaper, too).

When you use dry chickpeas you get a more crunchy bean that holds up much better in the falafel. It also has a fresh taste that you simply won't get with canned beans.

If you've never worked with dry chickpeas, don't worry! Literally all you have to do is soak them overnight. There is nothing complicated or tricky about working with dry chickpeas. You've got this!

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Ingredients

• Dry Chickpeas: see above. Dry chickpeas are a must for this recipe.
• Baking Soda: We'll soak the chickpeas in water with a bit of baking soda.
• Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, freeze dried dill. These are the classic herbs found in falafel. I used freeze dried dill, because that's what I had on hand, but you can use fresh dill - you may need another tablespoon or two of oat flour.
• Red Onion: For that umami tang.
• Garlic: Also for that umami tang.
• Spices: Kosher Salt, pepper, cumin coriander, cayenne. Besides the dried chickpeas, these spices are what makes the falafel super flavorful. A pinch of cayenne adds that extra edge to the flavor profile. If you absolutely hate spice, you can leave it out.
• Baking Powder: To aid in the baking process.
• Sesame Seeds: For a bit of texture.
• Oat Flour: The mixture will be quite wet when it's first mixed - we'll use oat flour to thicken up the falafel mixture so it can be easily rolled into balls. You can adjust the exact quantity of oat flour you used based on how wet your mixture is.

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How to make Oil-Free Authentic Falafel

Step 1. The day before you want to make falafel, soak the chickpeas and baking soda in lukewarm water. The beans will expand as they soak, so make sure to cover them in several inches of water.

Step 2. Add the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, dill, onions, garlic, and spices to a food processor. Blend until mostly smooth. Don't over mix.

Step 3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for an hour or so.

Step 4. Preheat the oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5. Remove the falafel mixture from the fridge. Stir in the sesame seeds, baking powder, and oat flour.

Step 6. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop 2-tablespoon sized balls. Roll into spheres or flatten into patties. If the mixture will not form balls easily, add a couple more tablespoons of oat flour. Continue to add oat flour until you can easily form balls.

Step 7. Bake for 15-20 minutes. If you made patties, flip the patties halfway through.

Step 8. Serve with pita and tahini. Enjoy!

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Preparation and Storage

Preparation: You'll need to soak the chickpeas ahead of time for this recipe. Make sure you get them ready 24 hours before you'd like to have your falafel.

Storage: Store these Oil-Free Authentic Falafel in the fridge. If you wish to reheat them, place them in the oven at 350 until they are warmed. Avoid the microwave - this will create soggy falafel.

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Recipe Prayer

Thank you God for giving us food to enjoy. We are so grateful that you provide for us. Amen.

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Related Recipes

Love falafel? I know you'll love some of my other oil-free chickpea recipes:

• Rosemary Sea-Salt Roasted Chickpeas
• Baba Ghanoush Hummus
• Sweet Potato Hummus

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Tried this recipe?

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