Falafel with Avocado Crema

Falafel are surprisingly quick and easy to make and impressive enough to serve to guests for lunch or a light dinner. The perfect falafel is flavorful and tender on the inside and crispy and browned on the outside. Usually, that requires frying which is messy, unhealthy and let’s face it, a lot of work! The trick to faux fried falafel is a well-greased pan and a hot oven.

Topped with this delicious avocado crema, these little bites become a lovely light and flavorful meal.

The falafel mixture comes together super quick and they are in the oven in under 15 minutes. They even freeze well and can be reheated in the oven for a quick snack or work lunch.

Falafel with Avocado Crema

Print Recipe

A twist on the traditional falafel topped with a quick avocado sauce.

• Author: Kristen Olson
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 Falafel 1x
• Category: Main Dish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Falafel Patties
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas drained, rinsed (or garbanzo beans)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon spicy Harissa sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• Avocado Crema and Garnishes
• 1/2 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons spicy Harissa sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup water
• 4 cups mixed baby greens
• 1/4 cup sprouts or pea shoots

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375ºF. Generously grease a 15×10-inch baking pan with the 2 tablespoons coconut oil.
2. Add all remaining falafel ingredients to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until slightly chunky but well blended. Divide mixture into 6 equal portions; shape into patties and flatten slightly to about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Place falafel patties on prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, flipping patties over after 15 minutes, until lightly browned on both sides.
4. To make the Avocado Crema: add avocado, yogurt, 2 teaspoons Harissa, lime juice and salt to the bowl of a food processor; pulse until smooth. Add water, one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
5. To serve, divide mixed greens between two serving plates. Top with falafel patties, a generous spoonful of the crema and garnish with sprouts.
6. Makes: 2 Servings

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Falafel and Sauce
• Calories: 218
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 1mg

A few tasty looking falafel recipes to try…
Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce from Mark Bittman
Falafel Wraps with Grilled Veg & Salsa from Jaime Oliver
Baked Red Lentil Falafel Salad from The Kitchn

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