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How to Make Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki - A Step-by-Step Guide

Falafel is a delicious and popular Middle Eastern dish that consists of deep-fried chickpea or fava bean patties. However, for those looking for a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor, this Spicy Baked Falafel with Tzatziki recipe is the perfect solution. The falafel patties are baked to crispy perfection, eliminating the need for excess oil, and are paired with a refreshing and tangy tzatziki sauce.

What sets this recipe apart is the addition of a spicy kick, addin...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (32 ounce) container Greek yogurt
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar (Optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 8 leaves fresh mint, finely chopped, or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
  • 2 whole jalapeno peppers
  • ½ bunch parsley
  • 1 bunch green onions, root ends removed
  • 4 cloves peeled garlic
  • 3 (16 ounce) cans chickpeas - rinsed, drained, and dried
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon salt, divided
  • ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
  • ½ tablespoon ground black pepper
  • ½ tablespoon chile powder
  • 1 cup chickpea flour
  • ½ cup olive oil, divided

Information

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 50 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings

  • Stir yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic powder, sugar, lemon zest, mint, and dill together in a bowl. Adjust seasonings to taste and refrigerate tzatziki until ready to serve with falafel.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Combine jalapeno peppers, parsley, green onions, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and fully blended. Scrape mixture down and add chickpeas. Pulse several times until just blended and chickpeas are broken up, but texture is still rough; do not overblend. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
  • Add eggs, lemon juice, lemon zest, Greek seasoning, cumin, 1/2 tablespoon salt, paprika, pepper, and chili powder to the chickpea mixture. Stir with a spatula until fully incorporated. Add chickpea flour a few tablespoons at a time and stir; the final mixture should be wet, but not falling apart when handled. Place bowl in the freezer, uncovered, to firm up mixture, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with some olive oil.
  • Remove chickpea mixture from freezer and form into 20 to 24 small balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush falafel with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with remaining salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until falafel are dry and slightly darker brown in color, about 45 minutes. Turn on the broiler and continue baking until tops are crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with tzatziki.

    • Nutrition

    382 cal.

    • Total Fat: 19g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 44mg
    • Sodium: 1106mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 40g
    • Dietary Fiber: 7g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 14g
    • Vitamin C: 22mg
    • Calcium: 80mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 379mg

    Categories

    Appetizer recipes
    Vegetarian recipes
    Mediterranean recipes
    Middle eastern recipes
    Spicy recipes