Falafel Quinoa Bowl with Tahini (Printable Version)

Crispy baked falafel over fluffy quinoa with fresh vegetables and creamy garlic tahini drizzle.

# What You Need:

→ Baked Falafel

01 - 1.5 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
02 - 0.5 cup fresh parsley leaves
03 - 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
04 - 2 green onions, roughly chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
10 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
12 - 3 tablespoons chickpea flour
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Quinoa

14 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
15 - 2 cups water
16 - 0.25 teaspoon salt

→ Salad

17 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
18 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
19 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Garlic Tahini Sauce

20 - 0.33 cup tahini
21 - 1 clove garlic, minced
22 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
23 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water
24 - 0.25 teaspoon salt

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, green onions, garlic, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chickpea flour. Pulse until mixture is mostly smooth but still slightly coarse, scraping down sides as needed.
03 - Using damp hands, form falafel mixture into 12 balls or patties. Place on prepared baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
04 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
05 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
06 - Whisk together tahini, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Add additional water as needed for desired consistency.
07 - Divide quinoa among 4 bowls. Top each with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green onion, and 3 falafel pieces. Drizzle with garlic tahini sauce.
08 - Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Nutrient-Dense: A balanced combination of chickpeas and quinoa provides a complete plant-based protein source.
  • Healthier Crunch: Baking the falafel at a high temperature gives them a golden, crisp exterior without the need for deep-frying.
  • Dietary Friendly: Naturally vegetarian and easily gluten-free, making it an inclusive dish for various nutritional needs.
02 -
  • Allergen Care: Be mindful that this recipe contains sesame (tahini). Always double-check canned chickpeas for potential cross-contamination.
  • Perfect Consistency: If your tahini sauce thickens too much after sitting, simply whisk in a teaspoon of water at a time until it is pourable again.
  • Flavor Boost: Let the falafel mixture rest in the fridge for 20 minutes before shaping if you have time; this helps the flavors meld and the patties hold their shape better.
Go Back