Baked falafel

What is baked falafel made of?

Falafel are small deep-fried balls made from a mixture of chickpeas, herbs and spices.

Does baking falafel make it healthier?

Falafel are usually deep-fried, making them higher in fat and calories. Frying also creates free radicals, which are linked to cancer. Baking falafels is a much healthier choice, as chickpeas themselves are a good source of plant -based protein and contain fibre, folate and iron.

Tips for making the perfect baked falafel

When shaping the falafel, wet your hands slightly to prevent them from sticking.

Don't overprocess the chickpeas, as a bit of texture is needed in the mixture – remind yourself that you are not making hummus. Season to taste and make sure the spices you use are new for the freshest flavour – dried spices that have been in your cupboard for several months may have lost their pungency.

Other flavours

Try adding finely grated lemon zest or chopped red chillies to the mixture.Once cooked, you could also squeeze over some lemon juice or scatter over a Middle Eastern spice mix, such as za’atar or sumac.

How to serve baked falafel

Enjoy these falafel alongside baked falafel & cauliflower tabbouleh with pickled carrot, cucumber & chilli salad or baked falafel & cauliflower tabbouleh, green tahini sauce & charred spring onions.

Falafel can also be stuffed into a lightly toasted pitta with hummus, garlicky yogurt, mayonnaise or baba ganoush, as well as pickles and crunchy slaw.

You could also form the falafel mixture into much larger patties and serve them as a vegetarian burger inside a burger bun with the condiments of your choice.