Falafel is a traditional Middle-Eastern dish. This “Americanized” version keeps the flavor of the spices from the Middle-East, while adding the nutrition of shredded carrot. This gluten free falafel is a great vegetarian recipe as well.
Gluten Free Falafel
Prep: 35 minutes
- 2-15 oz. cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans) rinsed and drained*
- 1/4 c. shredded carrot
- 5 scallions
- 3 Tbs. fresh parsley
- 2 Tbs. fresh cilantro
- 2 Tbs. minced garlic
- 1 Tbs. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1 tsp. ground turmeric
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 c. gluten free all purpose flour
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- Place all ingredients except flour and olive oil in food processor.
- Pulse on low speed until ingredients are well combined and resemble a thick paste. Some small chunks are okay.
- Remove mixture to bowl and fold in gluten free flour.
- Let mixture rest in refrigerator for five to ten minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium high heat.
- Scoop mixture by half cupfuls and shape into patties.
- Place patties carefully in olive oil and cook for two to three minutes on each side.
*If dried chickpeas are preferred to canned, they will need to be prepared ahead of time.
- Rinse and sort the chickpeas.
- Soak for 1 1/2 hours to overnight.
- Bring two quarts of water to a boil and add chickpeas.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. Do not overcook.
Alternate Ways to Cook Falafel
If you are wanting to use less oil in your cooking, you can use a non-stick griddle. Set the temperature dial to 350 degrees and cook patties two to three minutes per side. This way to cook falafel will omit the olive oil from the recipe.
Gluten free falafel can also be baked. Set your oven to preheat at 400 degrees. Lightly line cookie sheet with olive oil. Bake patties for 20-25 minutes. Turn once, halfway through cooking.
Gluten Free Falafel Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a bed of brown rice and top with Tahini Sauce. Garnish with fresh carrots and cucumber slices.
- Wrap falafel in gluten free pita bread and top with Tahini Sauce, lettuce and tomato.
- Serve Falafel on a gluten free bun, hamburger-style and top with sprouts and a drizzle of vinegar and oil.
Tahini Sauce
Prep: 10 minutes
- 8 oz. plain or greek yogurt
- 1/3 c. tahini
- 2 1/2 Tbs. lemon juice
- 1 Tbs. chopped cilantro
- 3 Tbs. water
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Can be served immediately, flavors will blend when chilled.
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