Print

Baked Falafel Sandwiches with Roasted Vegetables and Tahini Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 363 reviews

Baked Falafel Sandwiches are a healthier twist on the traditional falafel by baking instead of frying. These sandwiches feature flavorful baked falafel balls paired with roasted bell peppers and onions, a tangy tahini sauce, and fresh herbs, all stuffed into warm pita bread. Perfect for a satisfying vegetarian lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Falafel

  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for baking sheet
  • 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried well
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp. ground cumin
  • 2 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cayenne
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. baking soda

Roasted Vegetables

  • 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), cut into ¾” strips
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, cut into ½” wedges
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Roasted Pepper Salad

  • 1 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup cornichons or dill pickle slices
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice (from instructions, complementing veggies)

Tahini Sauce

  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or finely minced
  • Kosher salt, to taste

To Serve

  • 4 pitas, warmed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F. Lightly brush a baking sheet with about 2 teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and for better cooking of the falafel.
  2. Prepare the falafel mixture: In a food processor, combine all the falafel ingredients—chickpeas, cilantro, onion, flour, garlic, spices, lemon juice, and baking soda. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely ground, making sure to scrape down the sides periodically. Aim for a textured mixture, not a smooth paste.
  3. Form falafel balls: Using your hands, shape the falafel mixture into 16 heaping tablespoon-sized balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Prepare vegetables for roasting: On a separate baking sheet, toss the bell pepper strips and onion wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Bake falafel and vegetables: Place both baking sheets in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and use a spatula to flip each falafel to brown the other side evenly. Stir the peppers and onions for even roasting. Return both trays to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the falafel are golden brown on both sides and the vegetables are tender. Remove from the oven and let the falafel rest for at least 5 minutes before handling.
  6. Make tahini sauce: While the falafel and vegetables are baking, whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust salt to taste and keep aside.
  7. Prepare roasted pepper salad: To the baking sheet with roasted vegetables, add chopped cilantro, cornichons or dill pickle slices, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss to combine all flavors evenly.
  8. Assemble the sandwiches: Cut off the top fifth of each warm pita pocket. Spread a thin layer of tahini sauce inside each pita. Divide the roasted pepper salad and baked falafel balls evenly among the pitas. Serve immediately and enjoy your wholesome baked falafel sandwiches.

Notes

  • Do not overprocess the falafel mixture; a coarse texture helps achieve a better mouthfeel when baked.
  • Dry the chickpeas thoroughly to ensure the falafel holds together and browns nicely.
  • For a crispier falafel exterior, lightly brush the formed balls with olive oil before baking.
  • You can substitute cornichons with regular dill pickles if unavailable.
  • Store any leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
  • Serve with extra tahini sauce or a drizzle of lemon juice for added tanginess.

Keywords: baked falafel, falafel sandwiches, roasted vegetables, tahini sauce, vegetarian sandwich, Middle Eastern recipe

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/baked-falafel-sandwiches-with-roasted-vegetables-and-tahini-sauce-recipe/