🧆Baked Falafel with Moroccan Spices: Crispy and Guilt-Free

Introduction

Falafel, the beloved Middle Eastern street food made from ground chickpeas and herbs, is traditionally deep-fried — making it delicious but not always the healthiest option. In this recipe, we put a Moroccan twist on classic falafel and bake it instead of frying. The result? Crispy, golden falafel with warm Moroccan spices — light, nourishing, and 100% guilt-free.

This Baked Moroccan Falafel is:

🌱 Vegan & gluten-free

🧄 Loaded with herbs and flavor
🥙 Perfect for wraps, bowls, or salads
💪 Packed with plant-based protein

Whether you’re prepping lunch, hosting a dinner, or just craving a healthy snack, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.

🛒 Ingredients

Makes: 12 falafel balls

Main Ingredients:

1 ½ cups dry chickpeas, soaked overnight (do not use canned)
1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic
½ cup fresh parsley
½ cup fresh cilantro

2 tbsp fresh mint (optional)
1 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp chickpea flour or oat flour (as binder)

2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Moroccan Spice Blend:

1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp paprika
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt & black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🌿 Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas

Soak dry chickpeas overnight (8–12 hours) in water with a pinch of baking soda.

Drain and rinse well before using. Do not cook the chickpeas.

🧆 Step 2: Make the Falafel Mix

In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices.
Pulse until mixture is grainy but holds together when pressed.

Add baking powder and flour. Mix again just until combined.
Chill mixture for 30 minutes to help with shaping.

🧽 Step 3: Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush with olive oil.
Shape falafel into small patties or balls.
Place on the tray and brush tops with a little olive oil.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

🥙 Serving Ideas

Serve your Moroccan falafel:

In a warm whole grain pita with hummus, lettuce, and pickled onions

On top of a quinoa salad with tahini dressing
In a buddha bowl with roasted veggies and avocado
As a snack with harissa yogurt dip or mint sauce

💡 Tips & Substitutions

Situation	Solution
No food processor	Use a strong blender in pulses or mash by hand (more texture)
Gluten-free	Use certified gluten-free oat flour
No chickpea flour	Use regular flour or almond flour
Want extra crisp?	Broil for the last 2–3 minutes

🥗 Nutritional Information (per 3 falafel)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~180 kcal
Protein	8g
Carbs	22g
Fiber	6g
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	1g
Sodium	220mg

✅ Rich in fiber, iron, and plant protein. Low in saturated fat. Zero cholesterol.

🌍 Moroccan Inspiration

What makes this falafel Moroccan? The warm spice blend — especially the cinnamon, turmeric, and cayenne — and the use of fresh herbs typical of Moroccan cuisine. This fusion version balances authenticity with a healthy twist, making it both exotic and accessible.