High Protein Baked Falafel

Elevate your plant-based meals with this High Protein Baked Falafel recipe—a nutritious twist on the classic Middle Eastern favorite! Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and quinoa, these falafels boast a perfect blend of fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, and a zesty kick of lemon juice. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a guilt-free, crispy exterior without the need for frying. Simple to prepare in just 20 minutes, these hearty falafels are perfect for meal prep and versatile enough to pair with pita bread, salads, or a creamy yogurt sauce. Whether you're exploring vegetarian options or simply craving bold flavors, this recipe delivers a satisfying, protein-packed dish for every occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 100 grams cooked quinoa
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 30 grams fresh parsley, chopped
• 30 grams fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 60 grams whole wheat breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a food processor, add the chickpeas, cooked quinoa, red onion, garlic cloves, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Pulse the mixture until it starts to come together but still has a bit of texture. Scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4

Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and stir in the breadcrumbs until well combined.

Step 5

Using your hands, form small balls of the mixture, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly to form a patty shape.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the falafels are golden brown and crisp on the outside.

Step 7

Remove from oven and let them cool slightly on the pan before serving.

Step 8

Serve the high protein baked falafels warm, with your choice of pita, salad, or a yogurt-based sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	800 grams (800.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1199

Total Fat 43.80g	56%
Saturated Fat 6.30g	32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4035mg	175%
Total Carbohydrate 168.20g	61%
Dietary Fiber 37.50g	134%
Total Sugars 23.30g
Protein 42.40g	85%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 408mg	31%
Iron 16mg	87%
Potassium 2114mg	45%

*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: 31.9%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 54.4%