Name: Flavorful Baked Falafel with Sweet Potato, Chickpeas & Turmeric
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium sweet potato, baked or steamed until tender, cooled (about 1 cup / 200g mashed); 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained well; 1/2 cup / 25g fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup / 30g almond flour or chickpea flour; 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped; 1 small shallot or 1/4 red onion, roughly chopped; 1 tablespoon / 15ml lemon juice; 1 teaspoon / 3g ground cumin; 1 teaspoon / 3g ground coriander; 1 teaspoon / 3g ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon / 3g sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon / 0.5g black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon / 0.5g baking powder (optional, for fluffiness); 2 tablespoons / 30ml olive oil (optional, for richness and browning)

Why Make This Recipe

Flavorful Baked Falafel with Sweet Potato, Chickpeas & Turmeric is a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking for a plant-based meal. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of chickpeas and sweet potatoes, with the warm spices of turmeric and cumin. Not only does it taste great, but it also provides a good amount of protein and fiber. Plus, baking instead of frying makes it a lighter choice without compromising on flavor.

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How to Make Flavorful Baked Falafel with Sweet Potato, Chickpeas & Turmeric

Ingredients

1 medium sweet potato, baked or steamed until tender, cooled (about 1 cup / 200g mashed)
1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained well
1/2 cup / 25g fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped
1/4 cup / 30g almond flour or chickpea flour
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 small shallot or 1/4 red onion, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon / 15ml lemon juice
1 teaspoon / 3g ground cumin
1 teaspoon / 3g ground coriander
1 teaspoon / 3g ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon / 3g sea salt
1/4 teaspoon / 0.5g black pepper
1/4 teaspoon / 0.5g baking powder (optional, for fluffiness)
2 tablespoons / 30ml olive oil (optional, for richness and browning)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Ensure the baked sweet potato is cooled and mashed. Pat the rinsed chickpeas dry with paper towels.
In a food processor, combine the mashed sweet potato, dried chickpeas, cilantro/parsley, chosen flour, garlic, shallot/onion, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, pepper, optional baking powder, and optional olive oil.
Pulse the mixture a few times until it is mixed but still slightly coarse. You want some texture, not a smooth puree. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. If it feels too wet, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
Use slightly damp hands or a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into small balls or patties (about 1-1.5 inches / 2.5-4 cm). Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly brush or spray the tops of the falafel with a little extra olive oil for better browning, if desired.
Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the falafel and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm.
Serve warm with tahini sauce, in pitas, or on top of salads.

How to Serve Flavorful Baked Falafel with Sweet Potato, Chickpeas & Turmeric

These falafels are versatile and can be served in many ways. Enjoy them in pita bread with fresh veggies and sauce, or place them on a bed of greens for a tasty salad. They also go well with a dipping sauce like tahini or yogurt.

How to Store Flavorful Baked Falafel with Sweet Potato, Chickpeas & Turmeric

You can store leftover falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through. They can also be frozen for later—just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for about a month.

Tips to Make Flavorful Baked Falafel with Sweet Potato, Chickpeas & Turmeric

Make sure the chickpeas are very dry before mixing to help the falafel hold together.
Experiment with different herbs, like dill or mint, for a unique flavor.
If you want extra crispiness, bake them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.

Variation

You can add chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the falafel mixture for added nutrition and flavor. You can also use different spices, such as smoked paprika or chili powder, to change the taste.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potato, but make sure to drain it well before using.

Is it possible to fry these falafels instead of baking them?
Yes, if you prefer a traditional falafel, you can fry them in hot oil until golden brown.

Can I make these falafels gluten-free?
Yes, use chickpea flour instead of almond flour, and make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.