Falafel wraps are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. Packed with the bold flavors of crispy falafel, zesty sauces, and fresh vegetables, this dish is a celebration of vibrant, healthy ingredients. Let’s explore how you can make your own healthy vegan falafel wrap delight at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Filling: A balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables.
- Bursting with Flavor: Bold spices, zesty hummus, and creamy dill sauce come together beautifully.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make the components ahead for quick and easy meals.
Ingredients for Healthy Vegan Falafel Wrap Delight
Falafel
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Dry chickpeas | 2 cups (14 ¾ oz) |
Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
Onion (roughly chopped) | 1/4 |
Cilantro (roughly chopped) | 3/4 cup |
Parsley (roughly chopped) | 3/4 cup |
Dill (roughly chopped) | 1/4 cup |
Mint leaves | 1 tbsp |
Ground cumin | 2 tsp |
Ground coriander | 1 tsp |
Garlic cloves | 7 |
Salt | 2 tsp |
Chili powder | 1 tsp |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Sesame seeds | 1 1/2 tbsp |
Vegetable oil (for frying) | As needed |
Pita bread or flatbread | For wraps |
Greens, tomatoes, cucumber | Optional toppings |
Spicy Hummus
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Canned chickpeas (drained) | 15 oz |
Tahini paste | 1 tbsp |
Greek yogurt (2%) | 1 tbsp |
Garlic cloves | 2 |
Ground cumin | 1/4 tsp |
Ground coriander | 1/4 tsp |
Paprika | 1/4 tsp |
Cayenne pepper | Pinch or two |
Salt | 1/4 tsp |
Olive oil | 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp |
Lemon-Garlic Dill Sauce
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Greek yogurt (2%) | 2 cups |
Garlic cloves | 4 |
Feta cheese (crumbled) | 1/2 cup |
Lemon zest | Zest of 1 lemon |
Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | Pinch |
Fresh dill (chopped) | 3/4 oz |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chickpeas
- Place 2 cups of dry chickpeas in a large bowl with baking soda.
- Cover with water, leaving an extra inch or two above the chickpeas.
- Soak for 16-18 hours at room temperature.
2. Make the Spicy Hummus
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Add chickpeas, tahini, yogurt, garlic, spices, and salt to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth, drizzling in olive oil until fully combined.
- Store in a covered container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3. Make the Lemon-Garlic Dill Sauce
- Add yogurt, garlic, feta, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped dill and pulse to combine.
- Refrigerate until needed.
4. Prepare the Falafel Mixture
- Drain and pat the soaked chickpeas dry with a paper towel.
- Combine chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, dill, mint, cumin, coriander, garlic, salt, and chili powder in a food processor.
- Process until the mixture is smooth but still slightly crumbly.
- Chill the mixture in a covered bowl for 1 hour.
5. Form and Fry the Falafel
- Stir baking powder and sesame seeds into the chilled falafel mixture.
- Using a 1/4 cup scoop, form the mixture into small patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 375°F.
- Fry patties in batches, cooking until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Drain on a wire rack.
6. Assemble the Wraps
- Warm pita bread or flatbread.
- Spread a layer of spicy hummus.
- Add greens, tomato slices, and cucumber slices.
- Place 2-3 falafel patties on top.
- Drizzle generously with lemon-garlic dill sauce.
- Fold or wrap and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Perfect Falafel Wraps
- Use Dry Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas won’t yield the right texture.
- Drain Well: Ensure all ingredients are as dry as possible to prevent soggy falafel.
- Don’t Overblend: Keep a slightly crumbly texture for authentic falafel.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro, parsley, and dill add bright flavors.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Wrap (1) |
---|---|
Calories | 420 |
Protein | 18g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Fat | 18g |
Fiber | 10g |
Sodium | 720mg |
Delicious Variations
- Baked Falafel: Bake patties at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flatbread.
- Extra Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper to the falafel mixture.
- Cheesy Addition: Add crumbled feta directly into the falafel mixture.
What to Serve with Falafel Wraps
- Sides: Tabouli salad, roasted vegetables, or lentil soup.
- Drinks: Serve with iced mint tea or a refreshing cucumber lemonade.
- Desserts: Finish with baklava or fresh fruit.
FAQs About Healthy Vegan Falafel Wraps
1. Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
2. Can I freeze uncooked falafel? Absolutely! Freeze shaped patties on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
3. Can I air fry the falafel? Yes, air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. What can I substitute for pita bread? Try lettuce wraps or gluten-free tortillas for a lighter option.
5. How do I store leftovers? Store cooked falafel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Can I make the sauces vegan? Yes, use plant-based yogurt and omit the feta cheese.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Healthy vegan falafel wraps are a celebration of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch or a festive dinner, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
Your Next Move
Gather your ingredients and experience the magic of Mediterranean cuisine! Share your falafel wraps with family and friends, and for more inspiration, visit Minimalist Baker or The Mediterranean Dish.
PrintHealthy Vegan Falafel Wrap Delight: A Mediterranean Feast
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 wraps
Description
Discover the flavors of the Mediterranean with these Healthy Vegan Falafel Wraps! Packed with crispy falafel, tangy sauces, and fresh veggies, this recipe is as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, these wraps are sure to be a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
Falafel
- 2 cups dry chickpeas (soaked for 16–18 hours)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 onion, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 7 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil for frying
Spicy Hummus
- 15 ounces canned chickpeas, drained
- 1 tablespoon tahini paste
- 1 tablespoon plant-based yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon-Garlic Dill Sauce
- 2 cups plant-based yogurt
- 4 garlic cloves
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 3/4 ounce fresh dill, chopped
For the Wraps
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
- Sliced tomatoes and cucumbers
Instructions
Prepare the Falafel Mixture
- Soak the dry chickpeas with baking soda for 16-18 hours. Drain and pat dry.
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, cilantro, parsley, dill, mint, cumin, coriander, garlic, salt, and chili powder. Blend until crumbly but cohesive.
- Chill the mixture for 1 hour, then mix in the baking powder and sesame seeds.
2. Shape and Fry the Falafel
- Scoop 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape into small patties.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 375°F.
- Fry the falafel in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
3. Make the Spicy Hummus
- Blend chickpeas, tahini, yogurt, garlic, spices, and salt in a food processor.
- Gradually drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
4. Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Dill Sauce
- Blend yogurt, garlic, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in chopped dill and pulse to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.
5. Assemble the Wraps
- Warm the pita bread or flatbread.
- Spread a layer of spicy hummus over the bread.
- Add greens, tomato slices, and cucumber slices.
- Place 2-3 falafel patties on top.
- Drizzle generously with lemon-garlic dill sauce. Fold or roll the wrap and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean