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Crispy Falafel Platter Recipe with Creamy Tahini Sauce

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A quick and easy homemade falafel recipe featuring crispy falafel balls paired with a creamy, tangy tahini sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, not canned)
  • 1 small onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil or avocado oil for frying
  • ½ cup tahini paste
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (for tahini sauce)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for tahini sauce)
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or ground cumin for garnish
  • Pita bread or flatbreads (for serving)
  • Fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and red onion slices (for serving)
  • Pickled turnips or olives (for serving)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (extra parsley or mint)

Instructions

  1. Soak 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas in cold water overnight (at least 12 hours).
  2. Drain and pat dry the soaked chickpeas. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until coarse but sticks together when pressed, avoiding over-processing.
  3. Test the mixture by frying a small amount in oil to check seasoning and texture. Adjust salt, spices, or add a teaspoon of flour if too wet.
  4. Shape the mixture into balls or small patties about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place on a tray.
  5. Heat vegetable or avocado oil in a deep frying pan to about 2 inches deep at 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry falafel in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. In a bowl, whisk together tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and cold water until smooth and creamy. Adjust water to desired consistency.
  8. Serve falafel on a platter with pita bread, fresh vegetables, pickles, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and smoked paprika if desired.

Notes

Use dried chickpeas soaked overnight for best texture; avoid canned chickpeas. Maintain oil temperature between 325°F and 350°F for crispy falafel. Test fry a small amount before cooking the full batch. Keep falafel warm in a low oven (200°F) if not serving immediately. Tahini sauce may thicken; stir in water to adjust consistency. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pita or serve over greens. Air fryer and baked versions are possible but less crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: falafel, tahini sauce, crispy falafel, homemade falafel, vegetarian, vegan, Middle Eastern, plant-based, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-falafel-platter-recipe-with-creamy-tahini-sauce-easy-homemade-guide/