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- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight - 1 small onion, roughly chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup Greek yogurt - 1 small cucumber, grated and drained - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt to taste To make baked falafel, you need simple ingredients that pack a punch. Start with dried chickpeas, which give that great texture. Soak them overnight to soften. The onion and garlic add flavor, while parsley brings freshness. Spices are key. Ground cumin and coriander provide warmth. Baking powder ensures a nice rise. Don’t forget salt and pepper for taste. For the tzatziki sauce, Greek yogurt is creamy and tangy. Grated cucumber adds a cool crunch. Dill and lemon juice brighten the sauce. A bit of minced garlic gives depth. Get ready to blend these ingredients into a delightful dish. Check the full recipe for all steps. - Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Step 2: Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. Add them to your food processor with the onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mix is coarse but well combined. Scrape the sides if needed. - Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix until it blends well. With wet hands, form small balls, about the size of a golf ball, or make patties. Place them on a lined baking sheet. - Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy. - Step 5: While the falafel bakes, prepare the tzatziki. In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Stir well. Adjust the salt to taste. The full recipe gives you all the details needed to enjoy this dish. These steps guide you through making your falafel crispy and your tzatziki creamy and fresh. Enjoy the process, and soon you will have a delightful meal! To get the best texture for your baked falafel, start with soaked chickpeas. Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight. They blend better than canned ones. Pulse your mixture in the food processor until it’s coarse, not smooth. A grainy texture helps create that perfect bite. When baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. Form the falafel into small balls or patties. Wet your hands before shaping them. This keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. You want them golden brown and crispy. To make your tzatziki sauce even tastier, add more herbs. Fresh mint or oregano works great. These add a nice twist to the flavor. You can also mix in a pinch of cumin for warmth. Adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding more yogurt or cucumber. For a thicker sauce, use less cucumber. If you want it thinner, add a splash of water or extra yogurt. Taste your tzatziki after mixing. Add more salt or lemon juice if needed. This helps balance the flavors. For the best experience, serve it cool with your baked falafel. For the full recipe, click here to explore more. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chickpeas in baked falafel. Use lentils if you want a twist. Red or green lentils work well. They add a nice flavor and texture. You can also try black beans for a different taste. If you need a gluten-free option, quinoa could be a fun choice. For the tzatziki, if you want it dairy-free, use coconut yogurt. It gives a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. You can also use cashew yogurt, which adds a rich taste. Just make sure to adjust the salt to keep the flavor balanced. Baked falafel is great in wraps or bowls. You can put falafel in a warm pita with salad and tzatziki. This makes a filling lunch or dinner. If you like bowls, layer falafel with grains, greens, and fresh veggies. Falafel also pairs well with salads. Try serving it on a bed of spinach or mixed greens. Add sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and olives for a Mediterranean vibe. You can even top it with a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor. Check out the full recipe for more serving ideas! To keep your baked falafel fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method keeps them crispy. Store the container in the fridge. Your falafel will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you have leftovers, freezing is a great option. To freeze, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the falafel in a single layer, not touching. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just bake them directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C). To keep tzatziki fresh, store it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. It’s best to eat it within 3 to 5 days. The coolness of the yogurt keeps it tasty. If you notice a watery layer on top, just stir it back in. Watch for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or has a strange color, it’s time to toss it. Proper storage helps you enjoy your tzatziki sauce longer. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make baked falafel crispy, use more dry ingredients. You can add extra flour or breadcrumbs. Baking at a higher temperature also helps. Remember to flip the falafel halfway through baking. This ensures even crispiness on all sides. Yes, you can make falafel in advance! Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for later use. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can use lentils or white beans instead of chickpeas. Both options will give you a good texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. You may also need to tweak your seasonings for taste. Tzatziki lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you notice any signs of spoilage, like a change in smell or color, it's best to toss it. You can bake falafel without oil, but they may not be as crispy. If you want a healthier option, try using cooking spray instead of oil. It will still give some crispiness without adding much fat. Serve baked falafel on a platter with tzatziki in the center. You can add warm pita bread or a fresh salad on the side. For a fun twist, try placing the falafel in a wrap with veggies and sauce. For the full recipe, see the section above. In this post, we covered how to make baked falafel and creamy tzatziki sauce. With simple ingredients like chickpeas, garlic, and fresh herbs, you can create a healthy meal. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor, plus ideas for storage and serving. Baked falafel is versatile and suits many diets. With easy swaps and variations, you can customize it to your taste. Try these recipes and enjoy a tasty, nutritious dish that will impress everyone!

Baked Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce

Discover the ultimate recipe for crispy baked falafel paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce! This delightful dish features wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, fresh herbs, and creamy Greek yogurt, making it perfect for a healthy meal. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends with this tasty, homemade treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil (for falafel)

1 cup Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)

1 small cucumber, grated and drained

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice (for tzatziki)

1 clove garlic, minced (for tzatziki)

Salt to taste (for tzatziki)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas, then add them to a food processor along with the onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.

      Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until fully incorporated.

        With wet hands, form small balls (about the size of a golf ball) or patties with the falafel mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

          Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

            While the falafel are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.

              Once baked, let the falafel cool for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the falafel on a platter with the tzatziki sauce in a small bowl in the center. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and serve with warm pita bread or salad on the side.