Golden Baked Falafel with Tahini Drizzle and Quinoa Tabbouleh

Ingredients:
For the Baked Falafel:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, for brushing
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
For the Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse but holds together.
- Shape the falafel mixture into small balls or patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafel is golden brown and crispy.
- While the falafel is baking, prepare the tahini sauce by whisking together the tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.
- For the quinoa tabbouleh salad, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss until well combined.
- Serve the baked falafel with the tahini sauce drizzled on top, alongside the quinoa tabbouleh salad.
Benefits of this Recipe:
- Protein-packed chickpeas provide a satisfying base for the falafel, while quinoa adds an extra boost of protein and fiber to the salad.
- Fresh herbs and vegetables in the falafel and salad contribute to a nutrient-rich meal bursting with flavor.
- The tahini sauce offers a creamy and savory complement to the crispy falafel, adding healthy fats and a hint of nuttiness.
Nutritive Value (Per Serving – Estimated):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Vitamin A: 40% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 30% of the DV
- Calcium: 10% of the DV
- Iron: 20% of the DV
Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this baked falafel with tahini sauce and quinoa tabbouleh salad, a satisfying and nutritious meal for any occasion!
May 29, 2024
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