Crispy Falafel Salad Bowl

Falafel has long been celebrated as a beloved staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, often revered for its delightful crunch and vibrant flavors. Traditionally made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with a blend of herbs and spices, falafel has transcended its regional origins to become a global favorite. In this article, we will explore a delightful twist on this classic dish: the Crispy Falafel Salad Bowl. This recipe not only showcases the rich, savory taste of falafel but also elevates it by combining it with fresh salad ingredients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal option.

Discover the Crispy Falafel Salad Bowl, a delicious fusion of crunchy falafel and fresh vegetables that takes classic Middle Eastern flavors to a new level. This nutritious meal is not only packed with protein from chickpeas but also bursting with herbs and zesty tahini dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to customize, ensuring every bite is satisfying. Enjoy the delightful textures and flavors while nourishing your body!

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Ingredients

For the Falafel:

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

1 small onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp baking powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup radishes, thinly sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Tahini Dressing:

1/4 cup tahini

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

Water, to thin (about 2-4 tbsp)

Salt, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Falafel Mixture:

- Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, scraping the sides as needed. Don't over-process; a little texture is desirable.

Shape the Falafel:

- Use your hands or a scoop to form small balls or patties from the falafel mixture, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Transfer them to a tray.

Fry the Falafel:

- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C). Carefully add falafel balls in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Tahini Dressing:

- In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and enough water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Salad Bowl:

- In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, layer the mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, and red onion. Top it off with the crispy falafel and sprinkle feta cheese if using.

Drizzle with Dressing:

- Generously drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad, tossing lightly if desired to combine.

Serve and Enjoy:

- Serve immediately while the falafel is warm and crispy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4