Half-Baked Mediterranean Falafel with Tahini Drizzle

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

Baked falafel made with chickpeas and fresh herbs, served with a creamy tahini sauce for a lighter Mediterranean appetizer or meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, medium onion, chopped, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1 1/2 cups canned chickpeas, 1/2 chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup fresh parsley. Pulse until finely ground but not pureed, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Step 3: Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Form mixture into 12 small balls (about 1 1/2 inches each) and place evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Brush or drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the falafel.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy on edges.
  6. Step 6: While baking, whisk together 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and creamy.
  7. Step 7: Serve baked falafel warm drizzled with tahini sauce.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Baked Mediterranean Falafel with Tahini Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Half-Baked Mediterranean Falafel with Tahini Drizzle?

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 medium onion, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Baked Mediterranean Falafel with Tahini Drizzle?

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 Half-Baked Mediterranean Falafel with Tahini Drizzle 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.

What goes well with Half-Baked Mediterranean Falafel with Tahini Drizzle?

Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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