Print

Lazy Vegan and Gluten-Free Falafel with Tahini Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 32 reviews

This quick and easy Lazy Falafel recipe offers a delicious vegan and gluten-free twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dish. Featuring pan-fried spiced chickpeas with caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and a creamy tahini-based dressing, it’s perfect for a fast, flavorful meal served in warm pitta or flatbread with fresh salad.

Ingredients

Falafel Base

  • 2 tablespoons oil (olive, vegetable, or coconut)
  • 1 onion, diced
  • Handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped (or substitute 1 teaspoon dried coriander)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 400 g (14 oz) tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Tahini Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon tahini
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or substitute agave syrup)
  • 4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons water (adjust for desired consistency)

To Serve

  • Pitta bread or flatbread (gluten-free if necessary)
  • Salad: rocket, lettuce, peppers, radishes etc.

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Begin by heating up the chosen oil in a frying pan over medium heat to prepare for caramelizing the onions.
  2. Cook the onions: Add the diced onions to the pan and fry for about 10 minutes until they become soft and slightly caramelized, releasing a sweet aroma.
  3. Prepare the chickpeas: While the onions cook, purée the chickpeas using a food processor or hand blender for a smooth texture, or mash them with a fork or potato masher if you prefer more texture.
  4. Add spices and chickpeas: Once the onions are soft, add the sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground turmeric, salt, pepper, fresh coriander, and the mashed chickpeas to the frying pan.
  5. Cook the falafel mixture: Stir the mixture regularly and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the mixture looks too dry.
  6. Make the tahini dressing: In a bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, fresh dill, salt, pepper, and a couple of tablespoons of water. Mix well until you reach the desired creamy consistency; adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Toast the bread: Lightly toast the pitta or flatbread to warm it and add a slight crisp texture.
  8. Assemble the falafel wrap: Stuff the warm bread with the cooked falafel mixture, fresh salad greens, and generously drizzle with the tahini dressing.
  9. Serve immediately: Enjoy your lazy falafel while warm and fresh for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • This recipe is vegan and gluten-free if gluten-free bread is used.
  • Adjust the texture of the chickpeas according to preference: smooth purée or chunky mash.
  • Add a splash of water while cooking falafel mixture to avoid sticking and dryness.
  • The tahini dressing can be thinned with more water or lemon juice to your taste.
  • Use fresh herbs like coriander and dill for vibrant flavor but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.
  • Serve with your choice of fresh salad vegetables to customize flavor and crunch.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/lazy-vegan-and-gluten-free-falafel-with-tahini-dressing-recipe/