Description
This vibrant Middle Eastern Vegan Falafel Platter is a feast for the senses—crispy homemade falafel paired with creamy tahini sauce, fluffy pita, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables. It’s a plant-powered platter perfect for sharing, meal-prepping, or treating yourself to something special and nourishing. Packed with bold herbs and warm spices, it’s a wholesome dish that feels like comfort and celebration all at once!
Ingredients
For the falafel:
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1½ cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
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1 small onion, roughly chopped
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3 garlic cloves
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½ cup fresh parsley, packed
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½ cup fresh cilantro, packed
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp ground coriander
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
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½ tsp baking soda
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
For the platter:
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Hummus
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Tahini sauce (tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, water)
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Pita bread or gluten-free wraps
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Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion (sliced)
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Pickled turnips or dill pickles
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Kalamata olives
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Fresh parsley or mint for garnish
Instructions
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Soak the Chickpeas: Place dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let soak overnight (12 hours minimum).
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Prepare the Mixture: Drain chickpeas. In a food processor, add chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, spices, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until it forms a coarse mixture.
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Add Flour & Baking Soda: Transfer mixture to a bowl, stir in baking soda and flour. Chill for 30-60 minutes.
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Shape the Falafel: Form into small balls or patties with wet hands.
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Cook:
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Fry Method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry falafel until golden, 2–3 mins per side.
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Bake Method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes until crisp.
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Assemble the Platter: Arrange hummus, tahini sauce, warm falafel, fresh veggies, pickles, olives, and pita on a large board or plate. Garnish and serve!
Notes
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Don’t use canned chickpeas—they’re too soft and the falafel may fall apart!
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Chill your mixture to help it hold together while shaping.
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Want more spice? Add harissa or chili flakes to the mix.
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Easily gluten-free by using chickpea flour and GF wraps.
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Leftovers make an incredible salad topping or wrap filler the next day.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Platter
- Method: Fried, Baked, or Air Fried
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 platter portion (approx. 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: falafel platter, vegan falafel, Middle Eastern, plant-based platter, tahini, chickpea recipes, Mediterranean vegan