There’s something magical about a perfectly crispy falafel bite.
These little nuggets of flavor pack a punch with their herby goodness and a delightful crunch that makes them irresistible.
Originating from the Middle East, falafel has become a beloved street food around the world, and it’s easy to see why!
Ingredient List
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 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil works well)
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option)
- 1 small cucumber (finely grated)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh dill (optional, for added flavor)
For the Topping
- Fresh vegetables (tomato, bell pepper, and lettuce work great)
- Pita bread or wraps (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Soak 200 grams of dried chickpeas in water for 8 hours or overnight. This softens them and is crucial for a great texture.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Add them to a food processor.
- Chop 1 small onion and 2 cloves of garlic. Toss them in with the chickpeas.
- Add a handful of fresh parsley and cilantro (or any herbs you prefer).
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and salt to taste.
- Pulse until coarsely blended. Be careful not to over-process; you want some texture.
- Form the mixture into small balls or patties. If it’s crumbly, add a splash of water. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit of flour.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for better shape and texture. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F). Fry the falafel in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
For the Tzatziki:
- Grate 1 cucumber and squeeze to remove excess moisture.
- Mix with 1 cup of plain yogurt (Greek or dairy-free), 1 minced garlic clove, and juice from half a lemon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For Serving:
- Serve the falafel with the tzatziki and top with fresh veggies and pita bread.
Tips:
- Use pre-chopped veggies to save 10 minutes.
- For gluten-free: swap flour with a 1:1 GF blend.
- Omit chili flakes for milder palates.
- Freeze unbaked falafel – thaw overnight before cooking for a quick meal!
Recipe Notes & Variations
- For the Tzatziki:
- Use Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt) for a creamier texture.
- Substitute dill with mint for a refreshing twist.
- For the Toppings:
- Add sliced avocado or pickled radishes for extra flavor.
- Use chopped olives for a briny kick.
- Dietary Tweaks:
- For gluten-free: swap flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- For a low-carb option: replace chickpeas with mashed cauliflower.
- Kid-Friendly Adjustments:
- Omit chili flakes for milder palates.
- Serve falafel bites in mini pita pockets for a fun bite-sized option.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Freeze unbaked falafel. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before frying.
- Prep tzatziki a day ahead for better flavor; it will taste even better!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Tzatziki: This cool and creamy sauce perfectly complements the crispy falafel.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Fill a platter with sliced cucumbers tomatoes and radishes. It adds a refreshing crunch.
- Pita Pockets: Stuff mini pita pockets with falafel tzatziki and veggies for an easy meal that kids will love.
- Top with Feta: Crumble feta cheese (or dairy-free cheese) over the top for extra flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Add chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and taste.
- Mediterranean Quinoa: Serve falafel with a side of quinoa mixed with lemon juice and olive oil for a hearty addition.
- Make It a Salad: Toss greens with tomatoes cucumber and olives then top with falafel and tzatziki.
- Freeze Leftovers: If you have extra falafel freeze unbaked pieces for a quick meal later. Thaw overnight and cook as directed.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutrition in these delicious crispy falafel bites with tzatziki.
Serving Size
- 1 Serving: 3 falafel balls with tzatziki
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate)
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Protein (g) | 10 |
Carbohydrates (g) | 35 |
Dietary Fiber (g) | 8 |
Total Fat (g) | 10 |
Saturated Fat (g) | 1 |
Sodium (mg) | 400 |
Considerations
- Chickpeas are high in fiber and protein, making this dish filling and satisfying.
- Yogurt in tzatziki adds calcium and probiotics, great for digestion.
- For gluten-free options, swap pita bread for lettuce wraps or use gluten-free pita.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to try these crispy falafel bites with tzatziki as I am.
They’re not just a treat for the taste buds but also a fun way to explore Middle Eastern flavors right in your kitchen.
Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or incorporating them into a meal, the combination of crunchy falafel and creamy tzatziki is simply irresistible.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings and variations. There’s something special about making this dish your own.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out and what unique twists you add. Happy cooking!