Falafel with Tahini Dip
Crispy, golden-brown falafels made from chickpeas, herbs, and spices, served with a creamy tahini dip for a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dish.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 20 mins (+ overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins (+ soaking time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegan
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp flour (or chickpea flour)
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Soak the dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. Drain well before using.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, and baking soda. Blend until coarse but well combined.
- Add flour to bind the mixture. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Shape mixture into small balls or patties.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet. Fry falafel in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- For the tahini dip, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Serve hot falafel with tahini dip on the side.
Notes
- Ensure chickpeas are soaked long enough; do not use canned chickpeas as they make falafel mushy.
- You can bake falafel instead of frying for a healthier version.
- Adjust the consistency of tahini dip by adding more water if needed.
- Falafel pairs well with pita bread, salads, and pickles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 falafel with dip
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: falafel, tahini, chickpeas, Middle Eastern, vegan, appetizer, dip