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Vegan Falafel Bowl recipe displayed in bowl with spoon.

Vegan Falafel Bowl

Vegan Falafels are a popular Middle Eastern dish that's deep fried balls of dough made from chickpeas that are surprisingly gluten free.  Can also be baked if trying to reduce oil consumption. 
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Keyword: Falafel Bowl, Healthy Dish, Plant-Based, Recipe, Vegan
Servings: 4 bowls

Ingredients
 

For The Falafels

For the Marinate Onions

  • 1 large red onion thinly sliced
  • hot water
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 3/4 cup parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp za'atar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil omit if oil free
  • 1 pinch salt

For the Tahini Dressing

For the Garlic Turmeric Rice

Additional Toppings

  • cilantro
  • cherry tomatoes halved
  • green onions sliced

Instructions

For the Falafels and Garlic Turmeric Rice

  • Soak dried chickpeas overnight.
  • Once soaked and ready to proceed, start by making the garlic turmeric rice.
  • Drain chickpeas from water and lay them out on a towel.  Thoroughly pat them dry.  Get as much moisture out as possible.
  • Add chickpeas to a food processor with the remaining ingredients.
  • Pulse, scrapping down the sides often, until all the ingredients are chopped up and a thick batter is left.
  • Roll into 1" balls (you can use a cookie scoop to ensure even size).

For Deep Fried Falafels (Traditional)

  • Once all the balls are made, heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy bottomed pot and bring the temperature up to 350 degrees F.
  • Add the baking soda to the oil.
  • Drop falafels into the oil and cook for 2 1/2-5 minutes, moving around to ensure golden brown on all sides.
  • Remove from the oil and lay on a towel lined plate to remove excess oil. Repeat with remaining balls.

Other Falafel Methods

For the Marinated Onions

  • Place sliced onion in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 10 minutes.
  • Drain onions and dry with a towel.
  • Add red wine vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain anything more than a teaspoon of the vinegar from the bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredients together and cover. Place in fridge until ready to serve (at least 30 minutes)

For the Tahini Dressing

  • Add all the ingredients to a bowl and stir until very well combined.
  • If needed, add water 1 tsp at a time until desired consistency.

Compiling the Bowls

  • Once everything is ready, layer the rice in the bottom of the bowl. Then add some of the falafels and marinated onions. Top with cilantro, green onions and sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with tahini dressing.

Video

Notes

*Video shows how to make the falafels. 

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