How to Make an Easy Falafel Sandwich at Home

Falafel is a beloved dish, but when paired with a sandwich, its popularity soars! This delightful combination of crispy falafel with fresh, tangy, and creamy accompaniments is now enjoyed worldwide.

Topped with hot sauce, hummus, tahini, and fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, this sandwich is versatile and bursting with flavor.

Enjoy an easy, flavorful falafel sandwich with minimal effort!

Ingredients

For Falafel:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2–3 garlic cloves

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (or cilantro)

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt to taste

• 3–4 tbsp flour (if needed to bind)

• Oil for frying

For Sandwich:

• Pita bread or wraps

• Tahini sauce (or hummus)

• Fresh vegetables: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles

• Optional: hot sauce

Before We Start (BWS):

• Use Dried Chickpeas: Soak them overnight for the best texture. Canned chickpeas can make falafel too soft.

• Don't Overmix: Keep the falafel mixture coarse, not a paste, to ensure a crispy texture.

• Test Fry: Fry a small ball first to check if it holds together; adjust flour or baking soda if needed.

• Temperature Matters: Use medium-hot oil for even cooking and to avoid sogginess.

• Prep Your Sauce: Add a drizzle of tahini, yogurt, or hot sauce to elevate the flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the Falafel Mixture

Step 1: Soak chickpeas (or fava beans) overnight, then drain them. If using canned chickpeas, add them directly to a food blender.
Step 2: Add parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, paprika, and salt to the blender. Pulse until combined into a grainy mixture.
Step 3: Mix in baking soda and flour (only if the mixture is too wet). Refrigerate for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.

Shape and Fry

Step 4: Scoop the mixture with a spoon and form small balls or patties (about 1.5 inches wide).
Step 5: Heat oil in a wide-bottom pan over medium flame. For baking or air frying, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Fry falafel in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Assemble the Sandwich

Step 6: Warm pita bread or wraps. Spread tahini sauce or hummus inside. Add falafel, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles. Drizzle with more sauce if desired.

Serve

Wrap the sandwich tightly or fold the pita in half. Serve immediately with extra sauce or fries on the side.

How to Serve

There are two most traditional and common ways to serve falafel sandwiches:

Pita Pocket Style:

Ingredients:

• Pita bread

• Tahini sauce or hummus

• Falafel balls

• Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles

• Optional: hot sauce, parsley

Instructions:

1. Cut pita bread in half and open each half to form a pocket.

2. Pour tahini sauce or hummus inside the pocket.

3. Add falafel balls, pressing slightly to fit.

4. Fill with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles.

5. Drizzle with tahini or hot sauce and sprinkle fresh parsley.

Flat Wrap Style:

Ingredients:

• Flatbread (thin pita or lavash)

• Tahini sauce or hummus

• Falafel balls

• Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions

• Parchment paper (for easy handling)

Instructions:

1. Lay flatbread on a surface.

2. Spread tahini sauce or hummus in the center.

3. Place 2–3 falafel balls in a line, leaving space at the edges.

4. Add chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions.

5. Drizzle with more sauce if desired.

6. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly. Wrap in parchment paper for easier handling.

How to Make Falafel Patties

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2–3 garlic cloves

• 1/4 cup parsley or cilantro (fresh)

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• Salt to taste

• 2–3 tbsp flour (if needed)

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Firstly: Soak dried chickpeas overnight, then drain them.

2. Secondly: Combine chickpeas, onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, and salt in a blender to create a grainy mixture.

3. Then: Add baking soda and flour, and mix until well combined.

4. After that: Shape the mixture into patties.

5. Finally: Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the patties until golden and crisp.

Your falafel patties are ready!

How to Make Falafel in an Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2–3 garlic cloves

• 1/4 cup parsley or cilantro (fresh)

• 1 tsp cumin powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• Salt to taste

• 1–2 tbsp flour (as needed)

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Soak chickpeas overnight and drain them.

2. Combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, and salt to form a granular mixture.

3. Add baking soda and flour, and mix until it forms a dough-like consistency.

4. Shape the mixture into patties or balls.

5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

6. Spray the falafel with olive oil and cook in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Enjoy your air-fried falafel!

How to Make a Falafel Pita Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 4 falafel patties (fried or air-fried)

• 2 pita bread pockets

• Fresh veggies: lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and pickles

• Tahini sauce or hummus

Instructions:

1. Prepare falafel using your preferred method (fried or air-fried).

2. Warm the pita bread.

3. Fill the pita with falafel patties.

4. Add fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and pickles).

5. Drizzle with tahini sauce or hummus.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Conclusion

How to Prepare a Falafel Sandwich

1. Soak Chickpeas: Soak dried chickpeas (or fava beans) overnight, then drain them. (For canned chickpeas, dry them in a bowl for 2–3 minutes before use.)

2. Blend Ingredients: Add chickpeas, spices (cumin, paprika, coriander, salt), and herbs (parsley or cilantro) to a blender. Blend into a grainy texture that binds well but isn’t smooth.

3. Add Binding Agents: Mix in baking soda and flour. For canned chickpeas, adjust flour as needed for proper binding.

4. Shape and Cook: Form the mixture into balls or patties (1.5 inches wide). Heat oil in a pan over medium flame and fry in batches for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel. (Optionally, air-fry or bake for a healthier alternative.)

5. Assemble Sandwich: Warm pita bread or wraps. Spread tahini sauce, layer with fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles), and stuff with falafel. Drizzle with tahini or hummus.

6. Serve: Serve warm with extra dipping sauce or a side of fries.

Enjoy the nutritious and flavorful taste of your homemade falafel sandwich!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• How to Make Shakshuka in Different Tastes

• How to Make Lentil Soup: Easy and Quick Recipe

• How to Make Vegetarian Sushi Rolls

• How to Make Vegetable Rice: An Easy & Simple Recipe

• How to Make Falafel at Home

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