Whole30 Classic Falafel Balls

Transform your weeknight meals with these flavorful Whole30 Classic Falafel Balls, a wholesome twist on the traditional Middle Eastern favorite. Made with protein-packed dried chickpeas, fresh parsley, and cilantro, these baked falafels are seasoned to perfection with ground cumin and coriander, then finished with a sprinkle of crunchy sesame seeds. Unlike traditional deep-fried falafel, this version is oven-baked, making it a healthier option without sacrificing texture or flavor. Ready in under an hour, these golden, perfectly spiced falafel balls are ideal for salads, lettuce wraps, or served with your favorite Whole30-compliant dip. With minimal prep and mouthwatering results, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a plant-based, gluten-free, and Whole30-approved meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried chickpeas
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 medium onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1

Soak the dried chickpeas in a large bowl of cold water for at least 12 hours or overnight. They should expand significantly in size.

Step 2

Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse them thoroughly. Transfer them to a food processor.

Step 3

Add the fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, roughly chopped medium onion, and garlic cloves to the food processor with the chickpeas.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, sea salt, and baking soda.

Step 5

Pulse the mixture in the food processor repeatedly until the ingredients are finely minced but still have some texture, resembling coarse sand. Avoid over-processing into a paste.

Step 6

Transfer the falafel mixture into a bowl and cover; let it rest in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and mixture to firm slightly.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8

Using your hands or a scoop, shape the falafel mixture into 1.5-inch balls, compacting them gently.

Step 9

Arrange falafel balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.

Step 10

Brush or spray the falafel balls lightly with olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Step 13

Serve these Whole30 falafel balls over salad, in lettuce wraps, or with your favorite Whole30 compliant dip.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(495.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1219.0

Total Fat 52.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3069.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 150.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.6g	0%
Total Sugars 30.0g
Protein 47.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 434.8mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 2805.9mg	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: 37.4%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 47.6%