🧆 Falafel with Hummus & Tahini Sauce

A timeless Mediterranean street food classic made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices — shaped into balls or patties and lightly fried or baked.
Served with creamy hummus, tahini sauce, and fresh salad, it’s nutritious, plant-based, and full of authentic flavor. 🇱🇧🇮🇱

🥣 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

🧆 For the Falafel:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight in water — not canned)

• ½ onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup fresh parsley or cilantro (or mix both)

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 2 tbsp flour or chickpea flour (for binding)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Oil for frying (olive or avocado oil for a healthy option)

🌿 For the Tahini Sauce:

• ¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2–3 tbsp warm water (to thin out)

• Pinch of salt

🍋 For Serving:

• ½ cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)

• Pita bread or wraps

• Chopped tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, and pickles

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mix

1. Drain soaked chickpeas and pat dry.

2. In a food processor, add chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley/cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, flour, salt, and pepper.

3. Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse, sticky paste — not too smooth.

4. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Shape and Cook

1. Using your hands or a scoop, form small balls or patties (about 1 inch).

2. Heat oil in a skillet or deep pan over medium heat.

3. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
   (Alternatively, bake at 200°C / 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.)

Step 3: Make the Tahini Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

2. Gradually add warm water until creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Serve

1. Spread hummus on a plate or pita.

2. Add falafel balls, drizzle with tahini sauce.

3. Serve with chopped salad, pickles, and lemon wedges.

💚 Health & Nutrition Benefits

✅ Healthy Tips

1. 🌿 Bake instead of fry for a lighter version — same crunch, less oil.

2. 🥗 Pair with tabbouleh or Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.

3. 🧊 Store cooked falafel in the fridge for up to 3 days — or freeze uncooked mixture for later.

4. 🍋 Always serve with lemon and tahini — they enhance the flavor and digestion.