Title: The Ultimate Guide to Making Baked Falafel Balls with Yogurt Sauce
If you’re craving something delicious, nutritious, and filling, baked falafel balls paired with a creamy yogurt sauce are a perfect choice. This dish is a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried falafel, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite flavors without the added oils. Plus, assembling this dish is a breeze, ensuring even kitchen newbies can whip up something impressive. Let’s dive into how you can create your very own baked falafel balls with a delightful yogurt sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Baked Falafel Balls:
– 2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight in water)
– 1 small onion, roughly chopped
– 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for baking sheet)
For the Yogurt Sauce:
– 1 cup plain yogurt (use Greek yogurt for a thicker sauce)
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Fresh herbs like dill or mint, finely chopped
Instructions:
Preparing the Falafel:
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Prep the Chickpeas: Start by rinsing your soaked chickpeas under cold water. Remember, for the best texture, we’re using soaked dried chickpeas, not canned, as they hold together better and give a more authentic taste and texture.
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Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Pulse until you have a coarse mixture where you can still see tiny bits of chickpea. The goal is a cohesive mixture that will hold together, not a smooth puree.
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Shape the Falafel: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls or slightly flattened patties. This shape will help them bake evenly. If the mixture isn’t holding together, you might need to pulse it a bit more or add a tiny bit of water. However, don’t make it too wet or it won’t cook properly.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Place the falafel balls on the baking sheet and gently brush them with a bit more oil. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel are golden and crispy.
Whipping Up the Yogurt Sauce:
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Mix Ingredients: While the falafel are baking, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a bowl, combine yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you get a smooth and creamy sauce. For an extra touch of freshness, add chopped herbs like dill or mint.
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Chill (Optional): For a more intense flavor, you can let the sauce sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serving:
Once your falafel balls are golden and crispy, it’s time to serve. Place them on a plate and drizzle generously with the yogurt sauce, or serve the sauce on the side as a dip. These falafel balls are fantastic on their own or can be stuffed into pita bread with tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce for a fuller meal.
Tips and Tricks:
- Soaking the chickpeas overnight is crucial for the right texture. Don’t skip this step!
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the falafel mix.
- Baked falafel can be stored in the fridge for up to four days, making them a great make-ahead meal option.
- If your falafel mixture feels too wet and isn’t holding its shape, add a tablespoon of flour (chickpea flour works great) to help bind it.
Conclusion:
Creating baked falafel balls with a scrumptious yogurt sauce is not only simple but incredibly satisfying. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the cozy flavors of the Middle East right from your kitchen, without the need for deep frying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe promises to deliver on taste, texture, and health benefits. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious meal that awaits!