Falafel has been new to my diet in the past couple of years and it has become one of my favorite takeout foods. Until a couple of weeks ago I had never tried making it on my own. After finding this simple five ingredient recipe, I knew I needed to give it a whirl. Typically fried and made with chickpeas, this baked version made from lentils is a healthier twist on this popular Mediterranean dish.
Baked Falafel
recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked lentils
- 1 huge handful fresh cilantro
- half a jalapeño
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- a squeeze of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons almond meal
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pulse all ingredients except almond meal in a food processor until combined. The mixture should form semi-dry crumbles that stick together when you press them.
- Stir in the almond meal – just one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just dry enough to handle. Form into 10 patties and bake for 18 minutes.
I served my falafel with roasted vegetables and kale chips.
This looks awesome!! I will try to make some this week. Where do you get almond meal, and are there any substitutions?
Oh yeah you’ll love them! A great vegetarian option. I buy my almond meal at Trader Joe’s (it’s in a bag with all the other nuts) or you can just grind your own almonds in a food processor. But really any kind of flour will work so you could just use regular flour or any gluten free flours. I’ve been trying to eat a mostly Paleo diet which is why I used the almond meal. Coconut flour would also be a good substitute.