Heart-Healthy Classic Falafel Balls
Elevate your plant-based meals with these *Heart-Healthy Classic Falafel Balls*! This wholesome spin on the beloved Middle Eastern classic swaps deep-frying for baking, making it a lighter yet equally satisfying option. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fresh parsley and cilantro, and warm spices like cumin and coriander, every bite bursts with authentic flavor. The addition of whole wheat flour ensures the perfect texture without compromising on nutrition. Ready in just under an hour, these oven-baked falafel balls are perfect for stuffing into whole grain pitas, pairing with a crisp salad, or serving alongside creamy tahini sauce. Meal prep-friendly and loaded with fiber, these falafel balls are the ultimate guilt-free comfort food for both lunch and dinner.
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Ingredients
- 200 grams Dried chickpeas
- 1 medium Onion, roughly chopped
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 30 grams Parsley, fresh, chopped
- 30 grams Cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Whole wheat flour
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the dried chickpeas well, then place them in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 12 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse again before use.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine the soaked chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, baking soda, lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is coarse yet holds together when formed into a ball. Be sure not to over-process, as the mixture should not be too smooth.
Step 4
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the whole wheat flour. This will help bind the mixture.
Step 5
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6
Brush the tops of the falafel balls lightly with a bit more olive oil to encourage browning.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 8
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these falafel balls with whole grain pita, fresh salad, and a side of tahini sauce for a heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (500.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1176.2 |
| Total Fat 42.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 5.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3078.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 163.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 43.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 29.8g | |
| Protein 46.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 411.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 20.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2570.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories