Go Back

Moroccan-Spiced Falafel

Though not traditional, we love our falafel flavoured with the warming sweet and savoury spices of Morocco. I’ve made them mild enough for children, but feel free to crank up the heat if you wish by adding some red chilli. Our favourite way to serve them is stuffed into pitta breads or tortilla wraps along with hummus, salad, avocado, sweet pickle and a sprinkling of hemp seeds.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Hands-on time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Middle East, Moroccan
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 TBSP olive oil divided
  • 1 red onion (130g) finely diced
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 red bell pepper deseeded and finely diced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • 400 g / 14 oz can chickpeas rinsed and thoroughly drained
  • small handful of parsley chopped
  • small handful of fresh coriander leaves (ciltantro) chopped
  • 2 TBSP chopped pitted dates
  • 2 TBSP chopped dried apricots
  • 2 TBSP sesame seeds
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
  • 90 g / 1 cup rolled oats (quick oats, not jumbo)
  • 2 TBSP flour (any kind)

Instructions
 

  • Gently heat ½ TBSP oil in a large non-stick frying pan (skillet) and cook the onion, garlic and bell pepper for 2 minutes. Stir in the dry spices, then remove from the heat.
  • Place the chickpeas in a fine mesh sieve. Rinse under cold water then shake vigorously to remove all the water droplets.
  • Place the contents of the frying pan, the chickpeas, parsley, coriander leaves, dates, apricots, sesame seeds, bicarbonate of soda, salt and oats in a food processor and blend to make a coarse paste. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up (it can be left overnight).
  • Tip the flour onto a plate. Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the falafel mixture. Roll lightly in the flour, shake off any excess flour, then flatten the falafel slightly. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
  • If possible, use two frying pans (skillets) to halve the cooking time. Coat the bottom of the pan with oil. Cook the falafel on medium heat until browned on the underside (about 4 minutes). Flip them over and cook for a further 3 minutes or so. Leave to cool for a couple of minutes before serving (the falafel will firm up as they cool).
  • These falafel are delicious served warm or cold. They will keep for three days in the refrigerator. They also freeze well.
Keyword Falafel, Family Friendly, Gluten-Free Option, Lunchbox Ideas, Picnics, Plant-Based, Vegan Buffets, Vegan Dinners, Vegan Lunch, Vegan Sandwiches