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Vegan Falafel with Hummus and Pita

Emily Carter
Golden, crispy falafel served with creamy hummus and soft pita for the ultimate plant-based comfort meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Falafel:

  • 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas soaked overnight
  • ½ cup fresh parsley
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for baking or ½ cup oil (for frying)

For the Hummus:

  • 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained
  • 3 tbsp tahini
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

For Serving:

  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 cup chopped lettuce
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced cucumbers
  • Tahini sauce optional

Instructions
 

Make the Falafel:

  • Add soaked chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, and garlic to a food processor.
  • Pulse until finely ground but not a paste.
  • Mix in cumin, coriander, paprika, baking soda, flour, salt, and pepper.
  • Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.
  • Shape into small patties or balls.
  • For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F, brush falafel with oil, and bake for 25 minutes.
  • For frying: Heat oil in a pan and fry falafel until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.

Make the Hummus:

  • Blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, and salt in a food processor.
  • Add water slowly until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Pita:

  • Warm pita bread in a dry pan or oven.
  • Spread hummus inside the pita.
  • Fill with falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  • Drizzle with tahini sauce (if using).
  • Serve immediately because cold falafel is a crime.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 14g

Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Folate: 35%
  • Iron: 20%
  • Magnesium: 18%
  • Vitamin A: 15%
  • Potassium: 22%

Additional Notes & Tips

  • No food processor? Mash everything with a fork for a chunkier falafel.
  • Want extra crispy falafel? Fry instead of baking.
  • Make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes.
  • Store leftovers? Falafel keeps in the fridge for 4 days or freezer for a month.
 
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