Crispy Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, herb-packed chickpea patties served with a creamy tahini sauce, perfect for lunch or as a side dish. This middle eastern-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs chickpeas, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Drain and rinse 2 cans chickpeas (15 ounces each), then pat dry. Pulse 1 cup chickpeas in a food processor until finely chopped, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup fresh parsley, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour to the food processor. Pulse until well combined but not pureed.
  3. Step 3: Form mixture into 8 patties using 1/4 cup of the mixture per patty. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to make sauce. Serve falafel with sauce drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chickpeas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Crispy Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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