This delicious homemade falafel bowl recipe is vegan and customizable. Falafel balls are served with an assortment of cooked and fresh vegetables, pickles, fries, sauces and dips.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The array of flavors from the different foods found in the bowl are satisfying.
- Lots of texture from crunchy falafel, to fresh and juicy vegetables, wet pickles and creamy sauces and dips.
- Relatively easy to prepare, just needs a bit of up-front time.
- Different components can be prepared ahead.
- Vegan friendly - this depends on the specific ingredients you use.
How to Make A Falafel Bowl
Time needed: 15 minutes
A falafel bowl is an array of foods that complement falafel found in a single bowl/plate. There is no concrete way of constructing a falafel bowl, but common components are:
- Decide on the base
It can be a variety of options mainly mixed greens, or grains such as rice, quinoa, couscous or pita bread. The base provides a foundation for the bowl and adds texture and flavor.
- What type of falafel
Crispy falafel balls are the star of the dish. They are placed on top of the base. Add as many as you like, using either traditional fried falafel or air fried falafel.
- Add sides
A variety of sides with complementing flavors and textures can be added. I like to add as much fiber foods as possible, falafel is considered a starch.
These may include fresh and cooked vegetables such as slices of tomatoes, onions, radish, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint, air fried cauliflower and pickles (affiliate link).
Salads such as tabouli or Arabic salad is common paired with falafel.
Fries is also commonly served, I like adding air fried fries. - Dressings and dips
A tahini sauce is typically drizzled over the falafel bowl or placed to the side, along with a serving of dip, adding moisture and enhancing the overall taste. Popular dips include hummus or baba ganoush.
The combination of the foods placed on the bowl is up to you, do whatever makes you happy and satisfied, the below recipe is a guide to how my Lebanese family enjoys it.
Tips
Prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately in containers in the fridge to use when you are ready to build your bowl.
If you are making your own falafel, make the mixture the day before, store it in the fridge and then cook it just before you create your bowl, this way it is the freshest.
Have fun building your bowl. Use the portion size to suit your needs and experiment with what works for you.
Falafel Maker
I highly recommend using a falafel maker to make your falafel balls to ensure uniformity and even frying. It also creates a more authentic look.
FAQ
A traditional tahini sauce from the Middle East called tarator is served with falafel. It is light, creamy and white in color. At the basic level tarator is made out of tahini, lemon juice, water and salt. Additional flavors are then added to suit personal preference and the meal it will be served with.
Falafels are best eaten hot, they are typically served fresh and crispy, right after being cooked. The hot falafel balls have a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. As falafel cools down it will lose its crispiness. Though it is not to say it can’t be eaten cold and isn’t still delicious.
More On Falafel
If you’re on the go, try my amazing falafel sandwich - seriously good.
Ever wondered what goes well with falafel? See what foods Middle Easterners enjoy with it?
For folks with dietary requirements, you may wish to understand if falafel is vegan and if falafel is gluten free. Not all are made equally, be it homemade or commercially.
Learn how to freeze falafel, this helps busy people save on time. You can also pre make falafel spices to save more time!
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
Loaded Falafel Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Falafels
Base
- 1 handful Lettuce chopped
- 1 Pita bread
Sides
- 2 small Radishes sliced
- ½ medium Tomato sliced
- ¼ medium Onion Sliced
- 1 handful Pickles best with Middle Eastern pickles
- 1 serving Air fried cauliflower
- 1 serving Air fried fries
- 1 serving Tabouli
Dips and Sauces
- 1 serving Tahini sauce
- 1 serving Hummus
- 1 serving Baba ganoush
Instructions
- Prepare all the components ahead of time. This can be preparing a salad, chopping vegetables, deciding what type of falafel to use, whipping up the sauce and dip. The above ingredients are all optional, you pick what you want to add to your bowl.
- Build the bowl. Place the base into the bowl (lettuce or similar), add the falafel balls, sides, dressing and dips as you please. Use the portion size to suit your needs. Serve immediately3 Falafels, 2 small Radishes, ½ medium Tomato, ¼ medium Onion, 1 handful Pickles, 1 handful Lettuce, 1 serving Air fried cauliflower, 1 serving Air fried fries, 1 serving Hummus, 1 serving Baba ganoush, 1 serving Tahini sauce, 1 Pita bread, 1 serving Tabouli
Video
Notes
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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