Baked Falafel with Spicy Feta Yogurt Dip.
I am giddy over today.
Guess what?
It might be Monday but it’s one more day closer to March and therefore one more day closer to spring. And that’s just one day closer to summer and once day closer to a beach and one day closer to sun and mojitos and swimsuits and, perhaps most importantly, NEON.
Yes. Neon everything. Well, neon everything except for my food.
I’m holding back everything in my soul to keep from buying an obviously hot pink or yellow handbag.
(talk me into, I mean out of, it.)
So. Besides eating my weight in banana bread, this weekend was stupidly uneventful. It was super nice to be able to step outside without my nose freezing off though. I will say that. I pretty much did nothing besides make some killer burgers and a double batch of this falafel last night to have for snacking purposes. To feed my brain. Oh and speaking of brains I also spent a large chunk of time prepping myself to watch the Walking Dead, since it’s real life and all. I’m convinced that show is on TV just to destroy the human heart.
Anyhoo —> falafel.
Let’s talk about it!
I straight up adore what you see here. Beans, feta, herbs, the works. Some of my favorite things and maybe next time I should make some bacon falafel? Because then my life may be complete.
The damage I did on this tray was unreal. It’s one of my easiest recipes to make – especially at the beginning of the week – and the versatility for meals is endless. I’ll make a batch and throughout the next few days end up eating it on salads, in warm pitas, as a snack with some feta dip or even as a side to eggs with breakfast.
I’ll even eat it cold and for me, that is huge. I eat nothing cold. I don’t even like my yogurt to be cold. I don’t even eat pizza cold. If there was a way for ice cream to not be cold… well, you get the drift. No can do.
Also, I’d like to cannonball into this dip. Have a nice little cheesy swim.
In a shocking twist, I will tell you that I’m not totally in love with fried falafel. Surprise. It’s a very unusual preference of mine but… it is what it is. Baked is where it’s at, but if you’d like, you can definitely throw these in a hot skillet with some olive oil and go to town. Do you!
And I’ll do me… which involves ridiculous amounts of feta dip and a spoon.
Baked Falafel with Spicy Feta Dip
Ingredients
- 2 (14 oz cans) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1 large egg
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
spicy feta dip
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 8 ounces feta, crumbled
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- fresh parsley + crushed red pepper for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, garlic, onions, egg, lemon juice, parsley, cilantro, oil, salt, pepper, cumin and paprika. Pulse a few times until crumbly but not pureed. Add in half of the flour and baking powder and pulse a few more times until combine. Repeat with remaining flour and baking powder.
- Once the mixture is combined, scoop out about 2 tablespoons worth and form it into a small patty or ball. Place the falafel on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, until slightly crisp on top and cooked through.
spicy feta dip
- In the same food processor (I just wipe/wash mine out while the falafel are baking), add the yogurt, feta, olive oil, salt, pepper and cayenne. Pulse and blend until combined, scraping down the sides if needed. I don’t blend the feta completely because I like a bit of texture, but you can do so if you’d like. Scoop the feta into a bowl and give it an extra drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with the parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
- As a note, if you prefer your falafel fried, you can easily pan fry these in a bit of olive oil.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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I appreciate you so much!
because I like a little falafel with my dip.
181 Comments on “Baked Falafel with Spicy Feta Yogurt Dip.”
Everything is better with massive amounts of dip!
And yes to one day closer to spring, summer, and tons of neon and daylight that lingers forever! :)
You need a neon hand bag. Do it.
Worst influence ever. But, I feel like that would be a life priority.
Kinda like making this baked falafel with spicy yogurt dip.
You know, I have actually never even tried falafel…but it has been on my “EAT THIS” list forever.. So, time to cross that one off! Pinned!
Neon pink handbags go with everything, contrary to popular belief :) Check out the Cambridge Satchel Company. Sorry I’m not sorry.
GAH
Hey…. love this idea… just wondering… this maybe a stupid question… are these crispy or soft, or both… I’ve never baked them before
they are slightly crisp on the outside from baking, but mostly soft. if you love them really crisp, i’d recommend pan frying them in some olive oil!
Excuse me while I wipe up the drool off my keyboard…
I TOTALLY agree that baked falafel > fried! And thank you for reminding me that I haven’t had falafel of any sort in way too long.. going to have to rectify that situation asap!
This recipe literally made me morning. I need to make this like 10 minutes ago. Baked falafel?! Genius concept. I also want to smear that dip on my pancakes right now.
I haven’t had falafel in the longest time!! Must change this.
I’m just going to print the pictures out right now and eat them………. and I haven’t even eaten breakfast yet! But seriously , as soon as I get back from the “back to school” drop offs, I’m making this and it will be my, watch last nights “Walking Dead” break. What a great Monday this will be!!!!!!!!
I love falafel, but that DIP is what is getting my attention most. Can’t wait to try out this recipe!
BAKED FALAFEL! Brilliant, brilliant. I must, must try.
Totally buy the neon purse now. The day I traded in the diaper bag for a large yellow purse was a very happy day. And it still makes me smile every time I pick it up, especially on rainy, dreary days. And smiling is good!
i think you’ve convinced me!
Beans are some of my favorite foods, too. That’s why I love your creamy Tuscan bean pasta dish. i can’t wait to try this new bean dish.
And I totally hate cold foods, too. My husband thinks every dessert is better cold, so he puts everything in the fridge! It’s been 1 year since I’ve had a cookie at room temperature. So annoyed! I could take it out of the fridge early and let it warm up, but who has that kind of patience?!
The falafel is finally here!! These look insanely delicious!
I’ve got to give falafel another chance…I’ve never liked them, but really want to. The kicker is, I’m Lebanese, so you’d thinking liking falafel would be an automatic, but nope. Not me.
If I pile enough of that feta yogurt dip on top though…that could do it. Dip disguise.
I thought I was the only person on the planet not into fried falafel (I’ve tried it about 10 times because I’m stubborn and feel like I “should” like it, b/c fried chickpeas.) This baked version, however, I’m all up in and around!
I love falafels! The feta dip sounds so amazing, too! I’m going to have to try this. Thanks for sharing!
I have never had falafel, but anything with feta dip I am so down with!
Love the falafel and the dip — this is my kinda food. I could eat this all week!
As for your neon obsession, which I totally appreciate, if you buy this bag I’ll buy it too:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rebecca-minkoff-5-zip-mini-crossbody-bag/3674607?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Neon+Yellow&resultback=3306&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_8_B
I think it could TOTALLY work now AND later — do you see it with white skinny jeans in the summer and an equally neon-colored tank? I DO!
these are the ones i am looking at!! and the mini MAB. ughhhh want.
YES! I can’t decide between the hot pink or the neon! DECISIONS.
Pinning and I can’t wait to make this. I love that these falafel are not fried.
Jessica, this spicy feta dip sounds amazing! And, I’m totally with you on the one step closer to March, spring…SUMMER!
This is going on the meal plan for next week!
I am SO in love with falafel. And I never, ever make it. What is WRONG with me!?? And spicy feta dip? This may be all I eat from now on…this and those short rib tacos. Done.
Speaking of hot pink and yellow…I actually thought of you over the weekend. Went to the outlet mall and saw the CUTEST navy & white dress with HOT PINK trim at the Ann Taylor outlet and pink and yellow neon floral necklaces at the J Crew Factory store. I came home with the yellow one, not both, only because the last pink one left was being worn by a sale associate. I thought about stealing it off of her. ;)
um, we need to go shopping together. also: you’re a bad influence on me right now!
So the problem I have is I live 5 minutes from the famed Mahmoun’s falafel (http://www.mamouns.com/) , which is the best friggin falafel in the country. Yes, it’s fact. However, is that a reason I shouldn’t make this? Probably not. Come on, SPRING!
I may or may not have already bought some gorgeous neon earrings in anticipation for summer! I am not sure what I am more excited about this recipe, the baked falafel or the spicy feta dip?! Either way, I will be making this soon!
I have a bright neon pink Kate Spade purse. IN LOVE WITH IT. Get one! I don’t regret mind for a second.
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Your photography is always my favorite!
Considering that I’m half Lebanese-Armenian and it would blasphemous to make falafels not fried, I am so making these next Monday (for meatless Monday, of course) and I’m totally baking them! I adore your recipes too much to not try this out! :)
Oh I adore falafel! I actually had this amazing falafel platter this weekend with loads of tahini smothered on top. I thought it was going to take away from the crunch but somehow it didn’t.
After reading this recipe, I ran to my nearest grocery store for ingredients. Just made these for lunch–so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
so glad you liked them!!
We love chickpeas!!! Very healthy and easy to combine with lots of food!
http://inatrendytown.blogspot.com.es/
Didn’t Socrates once say that the only handbag you’ll regret is the neon yellow or pink one that you didn’t buy? I say go for it.
ha. YES.
Falafel is a very sensitive subject to me. I love our authentic falafel and I’m not sure how it take variations on the original recipe. Bacon falafel? Not so sure.
I too am so excited for March/Spring/Summer! I’m tired of the cold. But anyway, this falafel looks amazing and I can’t wait to make it! It looks like such an easy thing to put together and is exactly the kind of recipe I need and love to make! And that feta dip looks awesome! I grew up eating feta because of my Romanian family and it’s just so.freaking.good. I can’t even tell you how much of it I consumed when I lived in Athens!
These look fantastic…and the dip? Just hand me some pita and I’d be happy. Heck, I’d probably eat it with a spoon!
This looks delicious! I’m also so ready for spring– it could not some sooner. Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to try this!
This looks AWESOME! And you totally need a neon handbag. And so do I. WE CAN BE TWINZIES. omg. http://www.eastsport.com/community/bodhiblog/files/2013/01/BB_2013_01_08_P2-735×881.jpg
Isn’t that your favorite over-priced perfume, too?
yes. you know me so well.
I have at least 3 neon handbags and I need MORE! More I tell ya! But I’m not opposed to neon food either. Falafel looks yum too!
it’s been so long since I made baked falafel. Love the dip you made with them.
Yum! LOVE falafel! Definitely putting this on a salad asap.
That feta yogurt dip will be part of my dinner tonight, even if I am not eating falafel!
I honestly don’t get the need for more than one neon handbag. Must be a guy thing. Anyhow, the falafel is gorgeous. And I’d dive into that dip with a spoon.
Ugh, yes. Cold food. No can do. I even hate the smell of leftovers until they’re warmed up. Also I LOVE FALAFEL AND WILL BE MAKING THIS.
I’m seriously giddy about all of your posts … and now I’m hungry too!
Love the sound of baked falafel and that spicy feta dip!
I’m with you on wanting heat, sunshine, and brightly colored items pronto! Also, this dish is right up my alley:)
Ridiculous amounts of feta dip is so me too. I love falafel but have actually never made them at home. That so needs to change!
I have neon yellow pumps that I live in spring and summer! Have you seen the Cambridge Satchels in neon?? They’re AMAZING
No! You can’t have summer yet! We still need it! (haha). But on a serious note, these felafel look amazing, I’m definitely going to make these (a great “end of summer meal”, sob!)
Neon! Neon everything! I’m all for it. I wish I could get away with neon clothes, but they are just nowhere even in the same vicinity as my colour wheel.
So accessories it is!
Also, baked falafel will be happening in my kitchen while I prance around in my neon pink shoes, because it’s more fun that way :)
I have never been able to make a falafel that turns out. I will have to give this a try because it looks delish!