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Falafel with Creamy Tahini Sauce

Crispy Baked Falafel with Creamy Tahini Sauce — a plant-powered classic made the New Leaf Table way: gluten-free, nourishing, and full of flavor. We skip the fryer and bake these golden chickpea patties until crisp, then pair them with fresh herby tabbouleh and a creamy tahini drizzle.

Serving size

Veggie

30g Protein

Detox

Ingredients

For the Falafel:

Fresh:

1½ cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, rinsed and drained)

½ small yellow onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, smashed

1 cup fresh parsley (or ½ parsley + ½ cilantro)

Juice of ½ lemon

Staple:

2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

1/2 cup almond flour (or oat flour)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon sea salt (Redmond Real Salt recommended)

¼ teaspoon baking powder (Otto's recommended, linked in shop/items used)

Pinch of cayenne or black pepper

For the Tahini Sauce:

Fresh:

¼ cup tahini

Juice of ½ lemon

1 garlic clove, finely grated

2–3 tablespoons filtered water (to thin)

Staple:

Pinch of sea salt

Optional: drizzle of olive oil for finishing

For the Tabbouleh:

Fresh:

1½ cups fresh parsley, finely chopped

½ cup fresh mint, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced

½ English cucumber, diced

¼ cup red onion or scallions, finely diced

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

Staple:

1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

_{Organic non-gmo veggies are linked where available}

Serving size

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STAPLE INGREDIENTS

Make the Falafel (20 minutes + optional chill time):

1. Preheat oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Pulse until chunky but combined—don’t over blend.

3. Add almond flour and baking powder; pulse again until the mixture holds together but is not overly smooth.

4. If time allows, chill the mixture for 10–15 minutes to make shaping easier.

5. Scoop into 8–10 small balls or patties, flatten slightly, and place on baking sheet.

6. Brush the tops with olive oil, then bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden on both sides.

Make the Tahini Sauce (5 minutes):

7. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and sea salt.

8. Slowly whisk in filtered water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

9. Optional: drizzle a bit of olive oil on top before serving.

Make the Tabbouleh (10–15 minutes):

10. In a large bowl, combine chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and hemp seeds.

11. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

12. Toss well and chill until ready to serve.

Assemble Your Bowl or Wrap (5 minutes):

13. Start with a scoop of tabbouleh as your base.

14. Add 2–3 warm falafel patties.

15. Spoon over tahini sauce generously.

16. Optional: serve in a pita or lettuce wrap, or as part of a Mediterranean bowl.

Total Macros:

Calories: 368

Protein: 11g

Carbs: 29g

Fat: 24g

Fiber: 7g

Nutrition Facts:

🧆 Falafel Facts

Chickpeas = Plant-Powered Protein

Chickpeas (a.k.a. garbanzo beans) are rich in plant-based protein and fiber, making you feel full and fueling your muscles—perfect for vegetarians and flexitarians alike.

Parsley Party

That whole cup of parsley isn’t just a garnish—it’s crazy high in vitamin K and loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids, which support healthy skin and bones.

Almond Flour Bonus

Swapping breadcrumbs for almond flour keeps it gluten-free and adds vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that’s also good for your skin.

Cumin and Coriander? Spice it Right!

Cumin supports digestion, while coriander has been linked to blood sugar regulation—plus they add that earthy, nutty falafel flavor you crave.

🥣 Tahini Sauce Truths

What is Tahini, Anyway?

Tahini is just ground sesame seeds, but it’s packed with calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats. It’s kind of like the Mediterranean peanut butter—minus the sugar crash.

The Garlic Glow-Up

Garlic adds zing and immune support. It’s been shown to help fight colds and support heart health.

Lemon Juice = Liquid Sunshine

A little citrus brightens the sauce and gives you a dose of vitamin C, which helps your body absorb iron from the chickpeas.

🌿 Tabbouleh Trivia

Green Power from Parsley & Mint

These herbs aren’t just fresh—they help reduce inflammation, support digestion, and freshen breath. (Falafel kiss, anyone?)

Tomatoes and Cucumbers = Hydration Helpers

Rich in water and vitamin C, these veggies are super refreshing and support skin health and hydration.

Hemp Seeds = Tiny Nutritional Ninjas

Just a tablespoon adds omega-3 fatty acids, plant protein, and a nutty crunch. They support brain function and hormone balance.

⚡ Overall Health Highlights