These homemade falafels are easy to make and have such great flavor! Eat them in a pita with some vegetables, creamy tahini sauce and you’ve got yourself the perfect lunch.
I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day weekend! I usually have something to say like, ” I can’t believe it’s September already!” but there’s something about having a baby that makes time pass really slowly while also seeming to go quite quickly. It’s hard to explain but I guess it balances things out!
Falafels make me think of my childhood. We used to always buy the box of falafel mix and just remember how delicious they always smelled and tasted. I don’t think I really knew what falafels were at that age and had no idea they were Greek. I’m pretty sure I ate them with bread and ketchup, haha!
Up until a few years ago I always just bought the box mix when I was craving falafels and never even thought to make my own. Since they were so delicious, I just assumed there was some big process that went into making them and I wasn’t up for it. Then, a few years ago I looked into falafel recipes for fun and realized just how easy they were to make!
Since then, I’ve loved experimenting with different flavors of falafel. I’ve made this one and this one and now I’m sharing my Roasted Broccoli and Lemon flafels and they are so flavorful and delicious! I hope you enjoy them 🙂
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Roasted Broccoli and Lemon Falafel Pitas
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (25 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut small
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for baking
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pita bread, I used a gluten free pita bread
- Desired toppings such as, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and carrots
Lemon Tahini Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- Juice of 1/2 large lemon
- 5–7 tablespoons water, depending on how thick you want it
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. On a small sheet pan toss the broccoli with the olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast broccoli until tender and browned, about 15 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, chickpeas and remaining ingredients to a food processor and blend for 1-2 minutes. If mixture is too chunky the falafels will be dry. You will probably have to scrape down the sides in between pulses.
- Turn oven down to 400 degrees and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Form the falafel mixture into patties and place on the parchment paper and brush the top of each with olive oil. Bake falafels until golden brown on each side and heated through, about 25 minutes, flipping once.
- Make the sauce by mixing all ingredients together in a small bowl. Fill pita with falafel and desired toppings and then pour sauce over.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Lunch, Gluten Free Vegan
Hi, I really want to try this recipe but I can’t find any gluten-free, vegan pita bread. Where do you get yours from?
I can’t remember if the one I used was vegan or not, but it was gluten free from the brand, Against All Grain. If you can’t find it, you can make your own with this recipe! https://www.feastingonfruit.com/vegan-gluten-free-flatbread/
This recipe is just what I need! A question, if I use dry chickpeas, is it enough to soak or should I cook them as well?
I haven’t made them with dried chickpeas yet so I can’t say for sure… But if other homemade falafel recipes just call for you to soak them then I would just try that!
I’m a T.A. For a 9/10 foods class. For the end of year challenge the kids would be given a dietary restriction amd special imgredient. One of the groups made these as their ingredient was broccoli and I was blown away. They taste so good and will be making some on my own soon!
Awww, I love that!! 🙂
This had so much potential but mine came out mushy and free-form after baking even longer than suggested. I’m wondering if almond meal or coconut flour would resolve this and ask as a binder? Maybe gluten free oats? I think that’s what was missing, but any suggestions would be helpful.
I’m sorry they were mushy for you. I haven’t had that issue myself but you could definitely try adding in some coconut flour to see if that helps 🙂
I never had falafel growing up but if I did, I would have wanted them to be these! I love roasted broccoli with lemon and I can only imagine how phenomenal it tastes in falafel form. Such a genius idea, Izzy! <3
The photography is beautiful! This looks delicious!
Thank you so much, Mary!
I’ve never made my own falafel before, but I sure do love it! This broccoli lemon version looks SO good! And your pictures are so gorgeous, Izzy!
Izzy, these look wonderful. I love that in theory this is simple clean up as one could use the same tray to roast the broccoli and cook the falafel.
Do these freeze well? If so do you recommend freezing before or after cooking?
Oh I have to try this version! Falafel is one of my favorite dishes out, but I always thought they were a ton of work to make at home, too. I’ve now made them a few times and they’re so great! This flavor combo sounds great!
Roasted broccoli is one of the best things ever! Love how you incorporated it into these patties 🙂
I loveeeeee falafel! And these are just so fun with the broccoli! And of course you know I love that tahini sauce!! 🙂