Homemade Falafel Recipe

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Whole Food Plant-BasedOil-freeGluten-freeSugar-free

Enjoy this homemade falafel recipe that is healthy, easy to make, and full of flavor. They are baked, free of oil, loaded with healthy plant protein. The recipe is also vegan, gluten-free, and whole food.

Front view of vegan falafels

Dip them in your favorite sauce, such as this easy 5-minute vegan Walnut Falafel Sauce.

Enjoy them with pita bread or salads. They are also perfect for meal-prep.

homemade falafels on a plate with a cup of vegan sauce

Whole food ingredients

This healthy homemade falafel recipe uses simple pantry whole plant food ingredients. It is free of processed stuff and contains no oil.

Here is what you’ll need:

  • chickpeas – I cooked my own chickpeas at home, however, you can also use cooked chickpeas
  • onion – one medium onion is enough
  • garlic – it’s essential for the flavor
  • fresh parsley – fresh parsley is key for flavor and texture
  • lemon – squeeze it to get fresh lemon juice
  • ground flaxseed – this helps bind the falafel mixture
  • spices – you’ll need cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper
the ingredients for the  vegan falafels

For the full ingredients list, measurements, and instructions, please find the recipe card below.

How to make baked homemade falafel

The recipe is quick and easy to make. It becomes ready in less than 30 mins in 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Place all ingredients for the falafel recipe in a food processor. If your food processor is small you’ll need to work in batches. Pulse for a few minutes. You may need to scrape down the sides from time to time. Do this until the mixture is roughly chopped. Don’t over mix as you will make hummus.

making of falafels, part 1

Step 2: Take about one full tablespoon of the chickpea mixture and shape it into round disks. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Bake for about 15 mins.

making of falafels, part 2

Serve hot with this easy 5-minute vegan Walnut Falafel Sauce.

Useful tips

  • You can use canned chickpeas or you can cook your own ones. I always prefer to boil my beans at home. It takes time but there will be no added chemicals, salt, sugar, or preservatives that are present in canned chickpeas. Just soak your dry chickpeas overnight. Then, rinse and boil in plenty of water until soft.
  • Be sure not to over mix the falafel mixture in the food processor, you need it roughly chopped. Otherwise, it will turn into hummus.
a baking tray with homemade falafels

These homemade falafels are

  • plant-based (vegan)
  • whole food
  • made with simple pantry ingredients
  • healthy
  • gluten-free
  • baked, not fried
  • oil-free
  • packed with healthy plant protein
  • easy to make
  • make a perfect healthy lunch or dinner
a close up of vegan falafels

How to serve falafel

There are many ways to enjoy a delicious falafel. Here are some of my favorite.

How to store

Store leftover falafels in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheat before eating over medium heat in a pan or on a baking tray in the oven. You can also enjoy them cold they are still delicious.

delicious falafel, split in two

Other healthy recipes you may like

If you try this Homemade Falafel recipe, please leave a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. 

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Homemade Falafels on a baking tray

Homemade Falafel Recipe

Yield: 17 falafels
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Enjoy this homemade falafel recipe that is really healthy, easy to make, and full of flavor. They are baked, absolutely free of oil, loaded with healthy plant protein. The recipe is also vegan, gluten-free, and whole food.

Ingredients

  • 4½ cups (670 g) cooked chickpeas
  • 1 medium onion (90 g)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley (60 g)
  • 1 lemon, squeezed (3 tbsp lemon juice)
  • ½ cup (50 g) ground flaxseed
  • 2½ tsp cumin
  • 1½ tsp corinder
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Place all ingredients for the falafel recipe in a food processor. If your food processor is small you'll need to work in batches. Pulse for a few minutes. You may need to scrape down the sides from time to time. Do this until the mixture is roughly chopped. Don't over mix as you will make hummus.
  3. Take about one full tablespoon of the chickpea mixture and shape it into round disks. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for about 15 mins.
  5. Serve hot with this easy 5-minute vegan Walnut Falafel Sauce.

Notes

  • If you use dry chickpeas, soak about 1⅔ cups (330 g) in plenty of water for 12 hours.
  • I always grind whole flax seeds in a blender. Then, keep them in a glass jar in the fridge for longer without becoming rancid.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 2 falafels
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 172Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 445mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 8gSugar: 6gProtein: 9g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

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I’m Venny, I am a medical doctor and I believe great health stems from eating whole plant foods. Here you’ll find delicious (mostly) oil-free whole food, plant-based recipes and learn how food makes you healthy!


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