Vegan Falafel Chickpea Patties
These oil-free vegan falafel patties are a healthy and delicious option packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, herbs, and spices. Perfect for wraps, salads, or on their own, they offer a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite!
Falafels are one of the most widely recognized foods from the Middle East and with good reason. These deliciously nutty and herby chickpea patties are fabulous on pita sandwiches, salads, and so much more!
This recipe comes from a book titled, Eat Plants Feel Whole, by Dr. George Guthrie, and he along with AdventHealth Press has graciously shared it with us for this post.
We have several chickpea recipes on this website including roasted red pepper hummus and even healthy chocolate hummus.
What are falafels?
Though growing in popularity in the US, many people still may not have heard of falafels (pronounced fell-off-uhl). They are made from chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) and are a food traditionally from the Middle East.
Falafels are nearly always vegan and made with fresh ingredients like chickpeas, onion, garlic, lemon juice, and warm spices. There are so many ways falafels can be served including in a pita, sandwiches, Buddha vegan bowls, and even on salads.
These little chickpea patties are traditionally fried, but by baking them the calories and fat can be slashed making for a much healthier option.
Reasons you will love this recipe
- Healthy and Oil-Free: These vegan falafel patties are made without oil, offering a lighter and healthier option that’s perfect for clean eating.
- Protein-Packed: With chickpeas as the main ingredient, these patties provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Versatile and Delicious: Perfect for wraps, salads, or bowls, these flavorful patties bring Middle Eastern-inspired spices to any meal.
Ingredients you will need
- Chickpeas- Using uncooked chickpeas to make falafel patties gives them a traditional, authentic texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Soaking, rather than cooking, the chickpeas helps them maintain their structure during frying or baking, resulting in patties that are less mushy and more flavorful.
- Onion & garlic- They bring a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the earthiness of the chickpeas, enhancing the overall taste of the patties. Additionally, they provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together, ensuring the falafel stays flavorful and perfectly textured.
- Lemon juice- Adds a bright, tangy flavor to falafel patties that balances the richness of the chickpeas and spices. Lime juice is also a good option.
- Spices- A blend of aromatic spices, including cumin and coriander for warm, earthy flavors, paprika for a mild heat, and cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick (optional), fresh cilantro, ground black pepper, and salt enhance the overall flavor.
How to make chickpea patties
The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.
I have to tell you right off the bat that I had no idea that chickpeas could be used in a recipe without even cooking them, but that’s exactly how this dish is made.
You’ll need to start off with dry garbanzo beans, so this means you can’t use the ones from a can because those have already been cooked. If you’re looking for recipes to use cooked chickpeas in, try this list of 12 Fabulous Chickpea Recipes.
STEP #1: Add the dry garbanzo beans to a large bowl and cover them with water at least 3 times the volume.
Let them soak overnight or until you can break them apart with your fingers. Once they have thoroughly soaked, drain them and set them aside.
STEP #2: Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender and pulse until it acquires a minced consistency, do not purée.
STEP #3: Shape into 3 oz. patties and place on a prepared sheet pan with parchment paper and bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
STEP #4: Stuff the patties into pita bread with tomato, lettuce, and parsley for an authentic delight.
I have a delicious Tzatziki Cucumber Sauce that would be a terrific condiment to drizzle over these chickpea patties.
Frequently Asked Questions
To prevent falafel patties from falling apart, make sure to use uncooked, soaked chickpeas and avoid over-pureeing the mixture. Adding a small amount of flour or chickpea flour can also help bind the ingredients and create a firmer texture.
Yes, you can freeze falafel patties! Shape them into patties, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to an airtight container or bag. They can be reheated in the oven or pan when ready to eat.
They are delicious served in veggie poke bowls, on top of salads, and in wraps or sandwiches.
If you try this recipe, please let us know how you like it by rating it and leaving a comment. We love to hear from you!
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Vegan Falafel Chickpea Patties
Ingredients
- 14 oz. garbanzo beans dry
- 8 cups water for soaking
- 1.5 cups yellow onion diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
- ¼ cup Italian parsley chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- I have to tell you right off the bat that I had no idea that chickpeas could be used in a recipe without even cooking them, but that’s exactly how this dish is made. You’ll need to start off with dry garbanzo beans, so this means you can’t use the ones from a can because they have already been cooked.
- Add the dry garbanzo beans to a large bowl and cover them with water at least 3 times the volume. Let them soak overnight or until you can break them apart with your fingers. Once they have thoroughly soaked, drain them and set them aside.
- Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender and pulse until it acquires a minced consistency, do not purée.
- Shape into 3 oz. patties and place on a prepared sheet pan with parchment paper and bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stuff it into pita bread with tomato, lettuce, and parsley for an authentic delight. I have a delicious Tzatziki sauce that would be a terrific condiment to drizzle over these chickpea patties.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
I’ve soaked my chickpeas, and now am wondering how many cups of them are best for this recipe!
Hi Carrie- It calls for 14 ounces, so it should be just under 2 cups.
I just want to thank you for publishing such wonderful recipes for those of us who cannot afford the pay for recipes sites! Your recipes are absolutely delicious and Free! Thank you!
Hi Patty- I am so very happy to be able to make the recipes and other information on this site available for free. Our advertisers are the ones that pick up the bills for keeping everything up and running, and I am so thankful for that. Thank you for the kind words!
Dr. Guthrie is amazing! Love his book!
Assuming you mean toasted sesame seeds. I’m wondering if the onions get thoroughly cooked with this recipe. My tummy doesn’t like partly raw onions at all.
Hi Teri. Just wondering about freezing these, and your chickpea patties also. I don’t make multi-ingredient recipes very often, and if I make these, I’d be inclined to double the recipes and freeze for later use. Will that work?
Hi Elizabeth- Oh, yes, both chickpea recipes (burgers and falafels) should freeze well. Making double batches for freezing is such a smart idea!