Falafel Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

Now that we’ve piqued your interest, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients for this incredible falafel bowl. These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of textures, flavors, and nutrients. You can always get creative and make substitutions based on your preferences!

The Falafel

Falafel is the heart and soul of this bowl. Made primarily from chickpeas, falafel is a deep-fried or baked ball of flavor that’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. While you can buy falafel pre-made, making it from scratch will take your bowl to the next level. The chickpeas are blended with garlic, herbs, and spices like cumin and coriander, creating a perfect little bite of savory goodness.

For a healthy twist, you can bake the falafel instead of frying it. Baking will give you a crispy exterior without all the extra oil, making it a lighter option.

Grains: Rice or Quinoa

Next up are the grains. You’ll want a hearty base to help fill you up and provide some additional texture to your bowl. Rice is a classic choice, but quinoa is another great option if you’re looking for a protein-packed alternative. Quinoa adds an earthy flavor and is a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids. Both grains work well with falafel, so feel free to choose whichever you prefer.

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are a must in this bowl. They add crunch, freshness, and a variety of textures that complement the falafel beautifully. You can use ingredients like lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and even shredded carrots. The freshness of these vegetables contrasts the warmth and crispiness of the falafel, making each bite a delightful experience.

If you like a bit of tang, you can also add some pickled vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, or even pickled onions for an extra zing.

Tahini Sauce

To tie everything together, a rich and creamy tahini sauce is a must. Tahini, which is made from sesame seeds, has a nutty, slightly bitter flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crispy falafel and fresh veggies. To make a basic tahini sauce, simply mix tahini with lemon juice, garlic, water, and a pinch of salt. If you prefer a creamier consistency, add a little olive oil.

Optional Add-ins and Toppings

Want to elevate your falafel bowl even further? Consider adding toppings like avocado, hummus, olives, or crumbled feta. You can also drizzle some hot sauce or a yogurt-based sauce to give it an extra punch. The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own by adding whatever toppings you enjoy.

How to Make the Perfect Falafel Bowl

Now that we know what goes into a falafel bowl, let’s get into the step-by-step guide on how to make this mouthwatering dish. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to put together!

Step 1: Making the Falafel

Start by preparing the falafel. If you’re making it from scratch, blend the soaked chickpeas with garlic, onions, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. You want to blend the mixture until it forms a dough-like consistency, but don’t over-process it—leave a little texture for that satisfying crunch.

Once the mixture is ready, form it into small balls or patties. You can either bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or fry them in oil until golden brown. Baking gives you a healthier option with a crispy exterior, while frying creates a more traditional, indulgent version.

Step 2: Prepare the Grains

While the falafel is cooking, prepare the grains. If you’re using rice, simply cook it according to package instructions. If you’re using quinoa, rinse it first and then cook it in a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio for about 15 minutes. Both grains are easy to prepare and will provide the perfect base for your falafel.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your falafel bowl. Start by placing your cooked rice or quinoa in the bottom of your bowl. Layer on the fresh veggies, making sure to balance colors and textures for a visually appealing dish. Add the crispy falafel on top and drizzle with your tahini sauce.