Falafel baked in the oven? Healthy chickpea recipe, not only for vegans

The recipe for traditional falafel is simple and relatively quick. This specialty is popularly served in an Arabic pancake, tortilla, or wrapped in pita, which is an Arabic bread.

Falafel is a traditional Arabic dish. This speciality is said to have originated in Egypt and is now widespread throughout the Middle East. It is actually fried balls that are made from ground chickpeas or broad beans. A combination of both of these healthy legumes can also be used.

Falafel balls are standardly fried in a deep fryer or pan. However, baked in the oven, without the use of unnecessary fat, it is an even healthier version of this delicacy.

It goes well with various salads and preserved vegetables.

You can also enjoy this recipe in your own way and prepare rice or potatoes to go with it. However, it is the vegetables that give this oriental dish its true flavour.

Not only in the past, falafel was a popular meat substitute, and was therefore prepared especially during the fasting season.

The main ingredient in this dish is chickpeas, which are one of the most popular legumes, especially in the Mediterranean, and a rich source of vegetable protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

It has prebiotic properties and, unlike other legumes, does not tend to soften. It is therefore used in salads and spreads, but also ground to thicken various sauces.

Not only because of the taste that chickpeas have, but also because of their nutritional value, chickpeas are a popular meat substitute among vegans and vegetarians.

Read also our recipe:
Lentil soup.

Recipe for oven-baked falafel

Whether you are a vegan or not, the nutritional properties of this dish will be welcomed by your body. So let's dream together to diversify your diet with this healthy, valuable but also tasty dish.

To prepare it you will need:

• 450 g dried chickpeas
• 2 onions
• 4 cloves of garlic
• parsley
• 3 tablespoons of wholemeal flour
• 1 tablespoon coriander
• pinch of cardamom
• 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
• a little olive oil

How to make it:

Chickpeas should be soaked in clean water the day before.

Just strain through a sieve and rinse with water before preparing the chickpeas.

Preheat the oven to 180 °C.

Chop the onion, garlic and parsley. Place all the ingredients, including the spices and flour, in a blender and blend.

It is better if the mixture has a slightly coarser consistency, so you don't have to blend too finely.

Add a little water or flour as needed to make the mixture into balls.

It is ideal if you let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for one to two hours.

Form the prepared dough into smaller balls and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush them lightly with olive oil and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Enjoy!