If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Lebanese dish, look no further than the falafel sandwich. This popular street food is loved by many for its crispy exterior, flavorful filling, and variety of toppings. While the exact origins of falafel are debated, it has become a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and can now be found all over the world. In this article, we will walk you through a professional and well-organized introduction to the Lebanese falafel sandwich, giving you all the tips and tricks you need to make this mouth-watering dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Sauce, Loaves, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Onion
Get ready to sink your teeth into a delicious and satisfying Falafel Pita Sandwich. This Middle Eastern inspired dish is full of flavor and packed with protein, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're a falafel fanatic or new to the dish, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite.
2of 20
NYC Style Falafel Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Parsley, Cilantro, Garlic Cloves, Onion
If you're a fan of the famous NYC street food, then you'll love this NYC Style Falafel Sandwich. This recipe takes all the classic flavors of a traditional falafel sandwich and adds a few extra touches to make it even more delicious. With the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, this sandwich will transport you straight to the streets of New York.
3of 20
Falafel Curry
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Tomato Puree, Coconut Milk, Oil, Salt, Ginger
For a fusion twist on the classic falafel, try this mouthwatering Falafel Curry. This recipe combines the aromatic spices of Indian curry with the heartiness of falafel for a one-of-a-kind dish. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
4of 20
Falafel Sandwich (with hummus sauce)
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Naan Bread, Avocados, Tomatoes, Onion, Red
Take your falafel sandwich game to the next level with this recipe for a Falafel Sandwich with Hummus Sauce. The creamy hummus sauce adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the sandwich, making every bite a delicious one. This is a must-try for anyone who loves a good falafel sandwich.
5of 20
Baked Green Falafel Pita Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Sandwiches, Pita Bread, Flat Bread, Falafel, Lettuce
Looking for a healthier take on the classic falafel sandwich? Look no further than this Baked Green Falafel Pita Sandwich. By baking instead of frying the falafel, you can indulge in this sandwich guilt-free. And with the addition of green herbs, this sandwich is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.
6of 20
Falafel and Hummus Box Meal Prep
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Hummus, Salad, Whole Wheat Pita
Meal prep just got a whole lot tastier with this Falafel and Hummus Box Meal Prep recipe. With falafel, hummus, and a variety of fresh vegetables, this meal prep box is not only delicious but also well-balanced and nutritious. Make a few of these boxes at the beginning of the week for an easy grab-and-go lunch option.
7of 20
Falafel Salad
Main Ingredients: Persian Cucumbers, Mixed Greens, Cherry Tomatoes, Diced
For a lighter option that still satisfies your falafel cravings, try this Falafel Salad recipe. With crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad has all the flavors of a falafel sandwich without the added carbs from the pita bread. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
8of 20
Falafel Hummus and Salad Meal-Prep Bento Boxes
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Chickpeas, Olives, Whole
Looking for a fun and creative way to meal prep? Try these Falafel Hummus and Salad Bento Boxes. The colorful and compartmentalized boxes make for a visually appealing and well-balanced meal prep option. Plus, with falafel, hummus, and salad all in one box, you'll never get bored with this tasty meal.
9of 20
Easy Falafel
Main Ingredients: Dried Chickpeas, Broad Bean, Parsley, Ground Coriander
Don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen? No problem, this recipe for Easy Falafel has got you covered. With only a few ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can have delicious falafel on the table in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you just don't feel like cooking a complicated meal.
10of 20
Trader Joe's Mediterranean Falafel Salad
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Farro, Salad Kit
If you're a fan of Trader Joe's, then this Mediterranean Falafel Salad recipe is a must-try. This dish takes all the delicious flavors of Trader Joe's Mediterranean products and turns them into a delicious and healthy salad. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or light dinner.
11of 20
Homemade Falafel Wrap
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Medium Tomato, English Cucumber, Red Onion
For a fun and portable way to enjoy falafel, give this Homemade Falafel Wrap a try. The combination of crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying wrap. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite toppings and sauces.
12of 20
Baked Falafel
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Small Onion, Fresh Cilantro, Garlic, Egg
If you're trying to avoid fried foods, then this Baked Falafel recipe is for you. By baking instead of frying the falafel, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors with less guilt. Serve it as a sandwich, salad topper, or on its own as a snack.
13of 20
Falafel Veggie Burgers
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Water, Black Beans, Cooked Onion, Cooked
For a vegetarian twist on the classic burger, try these Falafel Veggie Burgers. Made with falafel patties, fresh vegetables, and your favorite burger toppings, this recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to a traditional burger. It's a great option for a meatless meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
14of 20
Leftover Falafel Salad
Main Ingredients: Lettuce, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, White Onion, Falafel
Don't let your leftover falafel go to waste, turn it into this flavorful Leftover Falafel Salad. With the addition of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, this salad is a great way to use up any remaining falafel from a previous meal. It's a tasty and resourceful option for lunch or a light dinner.
15of 20
Falafel Mix Makeover | McDaniel Short-Cuts
Main Ingredients: Water, Falafel, Chickpeas, Parsley, Lemon, Garlic
Short on time but still craving falafel? This Falafel Mix Makeover is the perfect solution. By using a pre-made falafel mix and adding a few extra ingredients, you can have delicious homemade falafel in no time. It's a great shortcut recipe for busy days or when you just don't feel like making everything from scratch.
16of 20
Baked Falafel Pie
Main Ingredients: Falafel, Water, Hummus, Cucumber, Tomato, Lettuce
Looking for a unique and impressive way to serve falafel? This Baked Falafel Pie is sure to impress your guests. With crispy falafel, creamy hummus, and a flaky phyllo crust, this dish is a tasty and beautiful addition to any dinner party or potluck.
17of 20
Falafel
Main Ingredients: Dried Chickpeas, Onions, Garlic, Herbs, Salt, Cumin
Sometimes, you just can't beat the classic. This traditional Falafel recipe is a must-try for any falafel lover. With a perfect balance of herbs, spices, and chickpeas, this falafel is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve it with pita bread, hummus, and your favorite toppings for a delicious and authentic falafel experience.
18of 20
Falafel and Hummus Bowls
Main Ingredients: Israeli Couscous, Olive Oil, Water, Salt, Diced
If you're a fan of bowl meals, then this Falafel and Hummus Bowl recipe is a must-try. With falafel, hummus, quinoa, and a variety of fresh vegetables, this bowl is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite toppings and sauces.
19of 20
Falafel Salad Hummus Bowls
Main Ingredients: Falafel Balls, Chick Peas, Garlic Cloves, Yellow Onion
For a lighter and more refreshing option, try these Falafel Salad Hummus Bowls. The combination of crispy falafel, fresh vegetables, and creamy hummus makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a great option for a light lunch or dinner on a hot summer day.
20of 20
Easy Baked Falafel Salad Bowl
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Tahini, Olive Oil, Fresh Cilantro
This Easy Baked Falafel Salad Bowl recipe is perfect for when you want a quick and healthy meal without sacrificing any flavor. With baked falafel, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this salad bowl is the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and flavorful. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
The Perfect Lebanese Falafel
Making the Falafel Patties
Falafel is traditionally made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or a combination of both. These legumes are high in protein, making falafel a great vegetarian option. To begin, soak your chickpeas or fava beans in water overnight. This will soften them and make them easier to grind. Drain the water and add the legumes to a food processor with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and spices such as cumin and coriander. Pulse until the mixture is well combined, but not completely smooth. Add a little bit of flour if the mixture is too wet, or a little bit of water if it's too dry.
Frying to Perfection
Once your falafel mixture is ready, it's time to fry them to crispy perfection. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, form the mixture into small patties and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
The Perfect Pita
While the falafel is frying, prepare your pita bread. Lebanese pitas are smaller and thinner than the traditional pita bread you may be used to. Cut open the pita and lightly toast it in a skillet or on a grill for a few minutes. This will give it a nice crunch and prevent it from getting soggy once the filling is added.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now comes the fun part – assembling your falafel sandwich! Start by spreading a layer of tahini sauce on the inside of the pita. This creamy paste made from ground sesame seeds adds a nutty and slightly tangy flavor. Next, add your falafel patties and top with pickled turnips, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce if you like a little kick. Fold the pita in half and enjoy!
Conclusion
Making a Lebanese falafel sandwich at home may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and technique, it can be a delicious and satisfying meal. So next time you're craving some Middle Eastern flavors, try this falafel recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.