High Protein Classic Falafel Balls

Elevate your falafel game with these High Protein Classic Falafel Balls—a delicious twist on the traditional recipe, enriched with nutrient-packed quinoa for an added protein boost. Made with soaked chickpeas, fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, and aromatic spices such as cumin and coriander, these crispy golden bites are bursting with authentic Middle Eastern flavors. The addition of quinoa not only enhances the texture but also makes this dish a powerhouse of plant-based protein, perfect for vegans and vegetarians. Lightly fried to perfection, these falafel balls are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them warm with pita bread, a fresh salad, and creamy tahini sauce for a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and filling. Ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners, this falafel recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to please!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 0.5 cup onion, roughly chopped
• 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas thoroughly.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the drained chickpeas, cooked quinoa, chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic.

Step 3

Add cumin powder, coriander powder, baking powder, flour, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, to the food processor.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse paste. Make sure not to over-process. The mixture should be coarse and hold together when formed into a ball.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up.

Step 6

While the mixture is chilling, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Step 7

Once the mixture is ready, take about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and form small balls or patties with your hands.

Step 8

Carefully place the falafel balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 9

Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 10

Remove the falafel balls with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 11

Serve the falafel warm with pita bread, fresh salad, and tahini sauce or your favorite dip.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(983.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2773.6

Total Fat 249.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2943.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 134.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.7g	0%
Total Sugars 17.6g
Protein 36.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 545.5mg	0%
Iron 23.2mg	0%
Potassium 2532.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.7%

Protein: 5.0%

Carbs: 18.3%