Falafel. The very word conjures up images of golden-brown, crispy orbs, redolent with cumin, coriander, and a hint of heat. But falafel is more than just a Middle Eastern street food staple. It’s a culinary chameleon, adaptable to a myriad of dishes and preparations. If you’re wondering what to do with falafel beyond the classic pita pocket, you’ve come to the right place. This article will delve into the diverse world of falafel, exploring creative and delicious ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your meals.
The Classic Falafel Experience: Pita Pockets and More
Let’s begin with the familiar, but even within the realm of pita pockets, there’s room for innovation. The traditional approach involves stuffing a warm pita bread with falafel balls, hummus, tahini, chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, and a drizzle of hot sauce or amba (a pickled mango sauce).
However, consider elevating this classic. Instead of simple chopped vegetables, try a quick pickled slaw with shredded red cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette. Or, add roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness. For the sauces, explore beyond tahini and hummus. A vibrant green tahini sauce with parsley and lemon juice can brighten the flavor profile. And don’t underestimate the power of a good garlic sauce (toum) or a spicy harissa paste.
Beyond pita, falafel can be enjoyed in wraps, using tortillas, lavash, or even large lettuce leaves for a lighter option. The key is to balance the flavors and textures, creating a harmonious and satisfying bite. Think about adding a layer of baba ghanoush (smoked eggplant dip) for a smoky depth or a sprinkle of sumac for a citrusy tang.
Falafel as a Protein Powerhouse: Salads, Bowls, and More
Falafel is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a great addition to salads and grain bowls. Instead of relying solely on lettuce and vegetables, falafel provides a substantial and flavorful element.
Imagine a vibrant Mediterranean salad with mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crispy falafel. A lemon-herb vinaigrette would tie all the flavors together beautifully. Or, create a hearty grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice, roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes and broccoli, a dollop of hummus, and, of course, falafel.
The possibilities are endless. Consider adding grilled halloumi cheese for extra protein and a salty flavor. Incorporate avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. Experiment with different dressings, from a tahini-lemon dressing to a balsamic vinaigrette. The key is to create a balanced and flavorful meal that satisfies your hunger and nourishes your body.
Falafel in Salads: A Deeper Dive
When using falafel in salads, consider the size and texture. Smaller falafel balls are easier to distribute throughout the salad, while larger ones can be sliced or crumbled for a more rustic presentation. For an extra touch of flavor, lightly pan-fry or bake the falafel before adding it to the salad. This will enhance the crispness and bring out the flavors of the spices.
Think about pairing falafel with ingredients that complement its earthy and savory notes. Roasted beets, carrots, and butternut squash work well in the fall and winter, while tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers are perfect for summer salads. And don’t forget the herbs! Fresh parsley, cilantro, and mint can add a burst of freshness and vibrancy to your salad.
Falafel in Bowls: Customization is Key
Grain bowls are a blank canvas for culinary creativity. When using falafel in bowls, consider the other components of the bowl and how they will complement the falafel. Choose a grain that provides a good base for the bowl, such as quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Add roasted or steamed vegetables for nutrients and flavor. Include a source of healthy fats, such as avocado or nuts. And don’t forget the sauce! A flavorful dressing or sauce can tie all the elements of the bowl together.
Experiment with different flavor combinations to create a bowl that suits your taste. Try a Middle Eastern-inspired bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, hummus, tahini, and falafel. Or, create a Mediterranean bowl with brown rice, grilled vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and falafel.
Falafel as a Culinary Building Block: Appetizers and Main Courses
Falafel isn’t limited to salads and pita pockets. It can be used as a building block for a variety of appetizers and main courses. Think beyond the traditional and explore the versatility of this humble ingredient.
Consider falafel sliders. Serve mini falafel patties on toasted slider buns with hummus, tahini, and your favorite toppings. They’re perfect for parties or a fun weeknight meal. Or, make falafel-stuffed bell peppers. Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of falafel, rice, vegetables, and spices, then bake until tender.
Falafel can also be used as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads. Crumble cooked falafel over a pizza with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Or, use falafel as a filling for savory pastries or dumplings.
Falafel Appetizers: Bite-Sized Delights
Falafel lends itself perfectly to appetizers. Consider creating falafel skewers with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a lemon-herb vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful bite. Or, make mini falafel burgers and serve them on cocktail buns with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Another great option is to create a falafel platter with hummus, baba ghanoush, pita bread, and assorted vegetables. This is a perfect appetizer for a party or a casual get-together. You can even create falafel “lollipops” by dipping the falafel in a tahini-based batter, coating them in sesame seeds, and serving them on sticks.
Falafel Main Courses: Hearty and Satisfying
For a more substantial meal, explore the possibilities of falafel main courses. Consider making a falafel casserole with layers of falafel, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Or, create a falafel loaf, similar to a meatloaf but made with falafel instead of meat.
Falafel can also be used as a filling for stuffed vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant. Simply hollow out the vegetables, fill them with a mixture of falafel, rice, and vegetables, and bake until tender.
Exploring Global Flavors: Fusion Dishes with Falafel
Don’t be afraid to experiment with global flavors and create fusion dishes with falafel. Its earthy and savory notes pair well with a variety of cuisines.
Consider making falafel tacos. Serve falafel in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a chipotle-lime crema. Or, create falafel spring rolls. Wrap falafel with rice noodles, vegetables, and herbs in rice paper wrappers, and serve with a peanut dipping sauce.
Falafel can also be used in Indian-inspired dishes. Add it to a vegetable curry or serve it with naan bread and raita. Or, create a falafel stir-fry with vegetables and a soy-ginger sauce.
Falafel Tacos: A Southwestern Twist
Falafel tacos offer a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern and Southwestern flavors. The crispy falafel provides a hearty and flavorful filling, while the traditional taco toppings add a refreshing and zesty element.
Consider using a variety of toppings to customize your falafel tacos. Shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, and a chipotle-lime crema are all great options. You can also add a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty and tangy flavor. Don’t forget the hot sauce!
Falafel Spring Rolls: An Asian-Inspired Delight
Falafel spring rolls are a refreshing and flavorful appetizer that combines the best of Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. The crispy falafel provides a satisfying crunch, while the rice noodles, vegetables, and herbs add a light and refreshing element.
Consider using a variety of vegetables in your falafel spring rolls, such as carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and bean sprouts. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil. A peanut dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these flavorful spring rolls.
Making Your Own Falafel: A Journey of Flavor
While store-bought falafel is convenient, making your own falafel from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. It’s a rewarding experience that will elevate your falafel dishes to the next level.
The basic recipe for falafel involves soaking dried chickpeas overnight, then grinding them with herbs, spices, and a binder like flour or breadcrumbs. The mixture is then formed into balls or patties and fried or baked.
However, there are many variations on the basic recipe. Some recipes call for adding fava beans to the mixture for a richer flavor. Others add vegetables like onions, garlic, and peppers. And the spice blend can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Tips for Making Perfect Falafel
Making falafel from scratch can seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you can achieve perfect results every time. First, make sure to use dried chickpeas, not canned. Canned chickpeas will result in a mushy falafel. Second, don’t overmix the falafel mixture. Overmixing will result in a tough falafel. Third, use a neutral oil for frying, such as canola or vegetable oil. Fourth, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy falafel. Finally, serve your falafel immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Customizing Your Falafel Spice Blend
The spice blend is what gives falafel its distinctive flavor. Experiment with different combinations of spices to create a falafel that suits your taste. Cumin, coriander, and garlic are essential spices in falafel, but you can also add other spices like chili powder, paprika, turmeric, and cardamom.
Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat or a teaspoon of sumac for a citrusy tang. And don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, falafel is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. From the classic pita pocket to innovative fusion creations, falafel offers endless possibilities for culinary exploration. So, the next time you’re wondering what to do with falafel, remember that the only limit is your imagination.
Can falafel be used in salads?
Falafel makes a wonderful addition to salads, adding a flavorful and protein-rich element. You can crumble them over a green salad with a tahini dressing for a Mediterranean twist, or use them as a substitute for croutons. Consider adding other Middle Eastern ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives to complete the flavor profile.
Alternatively, create a more substantial salad bowl with a base of quinoa or couscous, topped with falafel, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and a vibrant lemon-herb vinaigrette. The possibilities are endless and depend on your personal preferences and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and flavors to find your perfect falafel salad combination.
How can I use falafel in non-traditional sandwiches?
Beyond the classic pita pocket, falafel can be incorporated into a variety of other sandwich formats. Try stuffing them into a baguette with hummus, roasted red peppers, and arugula for a hearty lunch. Alternatively, use them as a filling for sliders or mini-burgers, topped with a spicy aioli or a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Another creative option is to use falafel as a component in a wrap. Combine them with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a peanut sauce in a tortilla for an Asian-inspired twist. Or, create a vegetarian banh mi by using falafel instead of the traditional pork, along with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and a spicy mayo.
Are there any soup recipes that incorporate falafel?
While not a traditional soup ingredient, falafel can add texture and flavor to certain soup recipes. Consider adding crumbled or chopped falafel to a hearty lentil soup for extra protein and a savory element. The slightly nutty flavor of the falafel complements the earthy taste of the lentils beautifully.
Another option is to create a vegetable soup with a Mediterranean flair and top each serving with a few falafel balls. This adds a satisfying crunch and a more substantial feel to the soup. Ensure the falafel is added just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. You could also serve the falafel on the side, allowing each person to add as many as they like.
Can falafel be served as an appetizer?
Falafel makes an excellent appetizer, offering a flavorful and satisfying bite. Serve them as is with a variety of dipping sauces, such as tahini, hummus, tzatziki, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Arrange them attractively on a platter alongside fresh vegetables like cucumber sticks, carrot sticks, and cherry tomatoes.
Another option is to skewer the falafel with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that is both visually appealing and delicious. You could also create mini falafel sliders on small buns with a dollop of tahini and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How can I incorporate falafel into breakfast or brunch?
Falafel can be a surprising yet delicious addition to breakfast or brunch. Crumble falafel over a shakshuka, adding texture and flavor to the tomato-based stew. The savory falafel pairs well with the runny eggs and the spicy sauce.
Another option is to create a falafel breakfast bowl. Combine falafel with scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini. This is a hearty and nutritious way to start the day. You could also use falafel in a breakfast wrap with eggs, cheese, and your favorite vegetables.
What are some creative toppings or sauces that go well with falafel?
Beyond the traditional tahini, there are numerous creative toppings and sauces that complement falafel beautifully. A spicy sriracha mayo adds a kick of heat and creaminess, while a refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce provides a cooling contrast. Consider a mango salsa for a sweet and tangy twist or a roasted red pepper hummus for a smoky and flavorful option.
For a more adventurous flavor profile, try topping falafel with a chimichurri sauce, a vibrant green sauce made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil. Or, experiment with a peanut sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Can you use falafel in a vegetarian or vegan burger?
Absolutely! Falafel makes an excellent base for vegetarian and vegan burgers. You can either mash the falafel into patties and pan-fry or bake them, or use store-bought falafel and crumble them slightly before forming the patties. Add a binder like breadcrumbs or mashed sweet potato to help them hold their shape.
Top the falafel burgers with your favorite burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, and a vegan mayonnaise or a spicy aioli. Serve them on a whole-wheat bun or a lettuce wrap for a lighter option. You can also add hummus, tahini, or roasted vegetables for a more Mediterranean-inspired burger.