Delicious Baked Falafel with Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

 Delicious Baked Falafel with Easy Tzatziki Sauce brings the authentic Middle Eastern experience straight to your kitchen. Instead of deep frying, these falafel are baked until golden and crisp outside while staying tender and flavorful inside. Served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish is both healthy and comforting — perfect for wraps, bowls, or a light snack.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients for the Falafel:
1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
½ cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup fresh parsley leaves
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon baking soda
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing before baking)

Ingredients for Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or mint)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Falafel Mixture:
   Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is coarse and holds together when pressed between your fingers — don’t puree it too smooth.

2. Shape the Falafel:
   Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape into small patties or balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush or spray lightly with olive oil.

3. Bake the Falafel:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20 minutes, flip the falafel, and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp on both sides.

4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
   In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.

5. Serve:
   Serve the baked falafel warm with tzatziki on the side, or stuff them into pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and extra sauce.

Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 320
Protein: 14g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 420mg

Tips:
• Avoid canned chickpeas — they make the falafel mushy. Soak dried chickpeas overnight for best texture.
• For extra crispness, let the falafel mixture chill for 30 minutes before baking.
• You can air fry the falafel at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Tzatziki sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day.

Crispy, herby, and full of flavor, these Baked Falafel with Easy Tzatziki Sauce make a perfect nutritious meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.