Baked falafel in tomato sauce

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Baked Falafel in Tomato Sauce

Experience a delightful twist on traditional falafel with this Baked Falafel in Tomato Sauce recipe. The crispy, herb-infused falafel balls are baked to perfection and then simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Serving Size and Yield

Serves approximately 4 people.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Blend the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a food processor until a coarse mixture forms.
Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the baked falafel to the tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Additional Notes

For a gluten-free version, ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the falafel mixture for extra heat. Serve with pita bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.