Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

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Make your own falafel at home using dried chickpeas – and better yet, make a huge batch and freeze the rest so you always have some ready to use! They are delicious in wraps, pita, on couscous or salad!

Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (1)

These balls of chickpea goodness are awesome!I always make a huge batch of Falafel, because they freeze well and it doesn’t really take that much longer to makemore of them. I love themin wraps, on couscous, in the pide bread, in pita sandwiches or in curries… so good!

Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (2)


These falafel are not only vegan but also gluten-free! Chickpeas are rich in protein and iron and because they aren’t fried like you would get them at restaurants, these could be consideredas healthy (or at least healthier)! For these Falafel, I used dried chickpeas, but if you prefer using canned chickpeas, I’ve got a version you’ll love here.

How to make Falafel…

Making Falafel is super easy! As always, you can find the full recipe (ingredients + instructions) in the box at the end of the post.

Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (3)
Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (4)
Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (5)
Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (6)
Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (7)
Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (8)
Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (9)

Serve the Falafel…

  • in a wrap e.g. salad,hummus, and tomatoes inthick fluffy tortillas
  • with couscous:Simple Onion CouscousorMediterraneanCouscous
  • in a burger:Falafel Burgerwith avocado sauce
  • on a leafy green salad with soy yogurt sauce or tahini dressing!

Falafel FAQ

Are Falafel healthy?

I wouldn’t consider the falafel you can buy in restaurants healthy because they are usually fried. These Falafel, however, are baked in the oven and therefore a much healthier option!

Can I freeze Falafel?

Yes, especially these ones are super freezer friendly. Bake them, then let them cool off completely, transfer them into a ziplock bag and freeze up to 3 months. For reheating, you can pop them in the microwave, bake them in the oven, pan-fry or add them to a Falafel Curry (it’s my favorite way to use frozen falafel because it makes them super soft again).

Can I use canned chickpeas for Falafel?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to use dried chickpeas, you can use canned chickpeas. But it’s best to use this recipe for Spinach Falafel and simply leave out the spinach.

More Falafel Recipes

  • 25+ Vegan Falafel Recipes for Chickpea Lovers
  • Spinach Falafel with canned chickpeas
  • Falafel Burger
  • Green Falafel with collard greens
  • Oil-Free Oven-Baked Falafel with Cilantro
  • Falafel Curry
  • Falafel Wrap

I hope you enjoy these falafel as much as I do! Let me know if you give them a try!

If you don’t wantto miss out on any new recipes,subscribe to my newsletter, follow me onInstagramandFacebook!

Cheers, Bianca

Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (11)

Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (12)

Huge Batch of Oven-Baked Falafel Balls (Freezer-Friendly!)

Bianca Haun |Elephantastic Vegan

These vegan Falafel are oven-baked and freezer-friendly. Perfect for salads, pitas, wraps, etc!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Soaking Time 10 hours hrs

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Basics, Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean, Vegan

Servings 45 Falafel

Calories 59 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups dried chickpeas
  • 2 onions
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2/3 cup besan/chickpea flour (+ more if the mixture doesn’t stick together)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (+ more if the mixture doesn’t stick together)
  • 1 teaspoon canola oil

Instructions

  • Put the dry chickpeas in a large bowl, cover with enough water (the chickpeas will double in size!) and let them sit covered overnight.

  • Peel the onions and garlic cloves. Put them in a food processor and chop.In a pan with a teaspoon of canola oil, add the chopped onions, garlic, and cumin and let it cook on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until they start to brown.

  • Drain and rinse the chickpeas and then work in batches by adding the first batch into the food processor and chop until the pieces are really small (you don’t want to make hummus). In one batch add in the parsley to chop it as well. Repeat until you’ve used up all the chickpeas. Transfer everything to a huge bowl.

  • Add the lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, ground pepper, baking powder, and the onions and garlic. Mix well.

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.

  • Add in the chickpea flour and olive oil. Mix the chickpea mixture well and form little balls. If the dough does not stick together enough, add more chickpea flour and oil.

  • Put the falafel on a baking tray and bake them in the oven for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden.

  • You can eat the falafel like that or put them in a pan with a little oil for reheating when you need them. They freeze very well, so you will have a nice stash of homemade falafel in your freezer, which is super convenient!

Notes

Are Falafel healthy?

I wouldn’t consider the falafel you can buy in restaurants healthy because they are usually fried. These Falafel, however, are baked in the oven and therefore a much healthier option!

Can I freeze Falafel?

Yes, especially these ones are super freezer friendly. Bake them, then let them cool off completely, transfer them into a ziplock bag and freeze up to 3 months. For reheating, you can pop them in the microwave, bake them in the oven, pan-fry or add them to a Falafel Curry (it’s my favorite way to use frozen falafel because it makes them super soft again).

Can I use canned chickpeas for Falafel?

Absolutely! If you don’t want to use dried chickpeas, you can use canned chickpeas. But it’s best to use this recipe for Spinach Falafel and simply leave out the spinach.

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSodium: 108mgPotassium: 132mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 2.6mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.9mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @elephantasticvegan or tag #elephantasticvegan!

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Oven-Baked Falafel Balls Recipe (Freezer-Friendly!) | Elephantastic Vegan (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to freeze falafel, cooked or uncooked? ›

You can freeze the falafel pre- or post-frying. Either way, you'll need to arrange them on a baking tray in a single layer, freeze until solid, then pack into food bags and label.

How long should frozen falafel be in the oven? ›

After removing the Falafel from the freezer, heat it in the oven on 425 for 10-12 minutes, with an option to broil for 3-5 minutes for an extra crunch.

Why can't you use canned chickpeas for falafel? ›

Canned chickpeas do not work for falafel. They're far too wet. If you try to use canned chickpeas instead of dried and soaked chickpeas, you'll end up with sad falafel pancakes. Some recipes try to counteract the wetness by adding flour, which significantly dulls the flavor and makes the texture more doughy.

Why do you put baking soda in falafel? ›

Dried chickpeas (that have been soaked in water for 24 hours) are an important ingredient that will give your falafel the right consistency and taste. (Tip: I usually add about ½ teaspoon of baking soda to the soaking water to help soften the dry chickpeas.)

Can you freeze uncooked falafel balls? ›

Place cookie sheet in the freezer and allow falafel to freeze until slightly frozen, about an hour so. Remove cookie sheet from freezer and quickly place falafel balls into a freezer-safe bag or container. Place back into the freezer. Frozen uncooked falafel should last about 6 months in the freezer.

How do you bake frozen uncooked falafel? ›

Place Frozen In Single Layer On Ungreased Baking Sheet And Bake For 14 To 16 Minutes. Microwave: Arrange 4 To 6 Frozen Falafel Balls On Microwave Safe Plate. Microwave On High For 2 Minutes.

Do falafels freeze well? ›

These Falafel, however, are baked in the oven and therefore a much healthier option! Can I freeze Falafel? Yes, especially these ones are super freezer friendly. Bake them, then let them cool off completely, transfer them into a ziplock bag and freeze up to 3 months.

Can I bake frozen falafel? ›

The best way to cook frozen falafel is to bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the frozen falafel on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method will give you crispy falafel without the need for frying.

What happened to Trader Joe's frozen falafel? ›

The grocery retailer says it was alerted by a supplier that its fully cooked falafel, sold in about three dozen states including Massachusetts and New Hampshire, "may contain rocks." The products have been pulled from shelves and destroyed.

Why do my falafel balls fall apart? ›

If the mixture is too wet, the falafel has a tendency to fall apart when being fried so please pat dry the ingredients before using them.

What is the jelly in canned chickpeas? ›

What Is It? Aquafaba is the thick liquid that results from soaking or cooking legumes, such as chickpeas, in water for an extended period of time. It's the translucent viscous goop you probably rinse down the drain when you open a can of chickpeas.

Can you eat raw falafel? ›

As you know Falafel is made from soaked raw chickpeas, which is indigestible to the human body causing stomach pain, gas, and other adverse symptoms. Raw chickpeas have antinutrients and toxins that can harm your digestive system, from discomfort to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Is baking soda or baking powder better for falafel? ›

Baking soda and powder: Baking soda breaks down and softens the chickpeas as they soak. Baking powder, mixed in just before baking, makes the falafel light and airy. Fresh herbs: The tender leaves of parsley, dill, and cilantro bring fresh, herbal flavor and color.

Is falafel good for you? ›

Researchers have found that falafel has many health benefits. It is high in fibre as it contains vegetables, legumes (beans, chickpeas, or almonds), and olive oil, all of which can help people stay healthy and maintain an optimal weight while reducing their risk of diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure.

Why is my falafel wet inside? ›

Its the deep frying in oil that should cook the beans. The moisture in the pre cooked beans make the falafels soggy and fall apart whereas frying the uncooked chickpeas makes them crispier.

Can you freeze cooked falafels? ›

These Falafel, however, are baked in the oven and therefore a much healthier option! Can I freeze Falafel? Yes, especially these ones are super freezer friendly. Bake them, then let them cool off completely, transfer them into a ziplock bag and freeze up to 3 months.

Can you freeze bought falafel? ›

I find it easier to fry from frozen as they are less likely to fall apart.

How long does cooked falafel last in the fridge? ›

How to store falafel. The raw minced mixture is sometimes allowed to rest to integrate the flavours and textures, ideally refrigerated. Use the uncooked mixture within a day: cooked, refrigerated falafel should be eaten within three days.

How do you keep falafel fresh longer? ›

To maintain the authentic taste and crispiness of homemade falafel, it should be stored in the fridge within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Use an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which can help retain texture and extend the shelf life up to 5 days.

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