Falafel with Taratoor Sauce

Crispy, golden, and packed with aromatic herbs and spices, this Falafel with Taratoor Sauce recipe is a Middle Eastern classic that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Made with soaked dried chickpeas, fresh parsley, cilantro, and a perfect blend of cumin and coriander, these falafel balls are fried to perfection for a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Pair them with the creamy, tangy taratoor sauce—an easy tahini-based dip made with fresh lemon juice and garlic—for a match made in culinary heaven. Whether served in warm pita bread, over a vibrant salad, or alongside pickles, this dish is a crowd-pleasing vegetarian option that’s loaded with protein and bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a party appetizer, it’s a Mediterranean treat you’ll return to again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Dried chickpeas
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 30 grams Fresh parsley, chopped
• 30 grams Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 2 tablespoons Flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour)
• 1000 milliliters Vegetable oil for frying
• 120 grams Tahini
• 60 milliliters Lemon juice
• 1 Garlic clove, minced (for taratoor sauce)
• 60 milliliters Cold water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for taratoor sauce)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried chickpeas and soak them in plenty of water for at least 12 hours or overnight.

Step 2

Drain the soaked chickpeas and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand and sticks together when pressed.

Step 4

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add the baking powder and flour, and mix until fully combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 5

While the falafel mixture chills, prepare the taratoor sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, cold water, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more water if needed.

Step 6

After chilling, shape the falafel mixture into small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) or flatten them slightly into patties as desired.

Step 7

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 180°C (350°F). Carefully drop the falafel, a few at a time, into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 8

Transfer the falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 9

Serve the falafel hot with the taratoor sauce on the side, along with pita bread, salad, or pickles for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1707.9 grams (1707.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10470

Total Fat 1089.80g	1397%
Saturated Fat 156.40g	782%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4140mg	180%
Total Carbohydrate 208.70g	76%
Dietary Fiber 61.70g	220%
Total Sugars 34.60g
Protein 79.70g	159%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 9716mg	747%
Iron 42880mg	238223%
Potassium 3409mg	73%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 89.5%

Protein: 2.9%

Carbs: 7.6%