15 Best Mediterranean Falafel Recipes

Spicy Moroccan Falafel with Harissa Yogurt Sauce

This vibrant and aromatic falafel is enhanced by the bold flavors of Moroccan spices paired with a cooling Harissa yogurt sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Oil for frying

Harissa Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Harissa paste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, onion, garlic, spices, flour, and baking powder until a coarse dough forms.
2. Heat oil in a pan, form the dough into balls, and fry until golden brown.
3. For the sauce, mix yogurt, Harissa paste, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Serve falafel with the Harissa yogurt sauce.

Lemon Herb Falafel

This refreshing falafel recipe combines the zest of lemon with a medley of fresh herbs for a light yet flavorful bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, herbs, lemon zest, spices, and flour until a coarse mixture forms.
2. Form mixture into balls and fry in heated oil until crispy.
3. Serve with a lemon wedge and enjoy the fresh flavors.

Greek-inspired Falafel with Feta

Infuse your falafel with the rich, savory taste of feta cheese for a Greek twist on this Mediterranean classic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, feta, onion, herbs, and spices until a dough forms.
2. Shape into balls and fry in hot oil until golden.
3. Pair with a Greek salad or pita bread.

Sun-dried Tomato Falafel

Bring a burst of umami with every bite of this sun-dried tomato-infused falafel recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, tomatoes, garlic, basil, and flour until well combined.
2. Form mixture into balls and fry until deep golden.
3. Serve with a basil pesto or tomato sauce.

Spiced Pumpkin Falafel

Perfect for fall, this spiced pumpkin falafel brings a hint of sweetness alongside traditional spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, pumpkin, onion, spices, and flour into a dough.
2. Shape into balls and fry until crispy.
3. Best served with a maple yogurt dip.

Quinoa and Spinach Falafel

Adding quinoa and spinach creates a nutrient-packed falafel that is both hearty and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, quinoa, spinach, spices, and flour until combined.
2. Form into balls and fry until golden brown.
3. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.

Smoky Chipotle Falafel

The smoky heat of chipotle peppers gives this falafel a robust flavor perfect for spice lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, chipotle, onion, paprika, and flour into a dough.
2. Shape into balls and fry until crispy.
3. Serve with a creamy avocado sauce to balance the heat.

Black Olive and Rosemary Falafel

With a hint of Mediterranean olives and aromatic rosemary, this falafel is a savory delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, olives, rosemary, onion, and flour together.
2. Form into balls and fry until golden.
3. Pair with a rosemary aioli for extra flavor.

Sweet Potato and Curry Falafel

Sweet potatoes and curry blend beautifully to create a falafel bursting with warmth and earthiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, sweet potato, curry powder, and flour into a smooth mixture.
2. Shape into balls and fry until crispy and golden.
3. Serve with a coconut yogurt sauce for an exotic touch.

Beetroot and Mint Falafel

A colorful twist featuring beetroots and mint, this falafel offers a fresh and vibrant taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 cup beetroot, grated
• 2 tablespoons mint, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Blend chickpeas, beetroot, mint, onion, and flour together.
2. Form into balls and fry until crisp.
3. Complement with a mint yogurt dip for a refreshing finish.