Are you ready to elevate your snacking game with a burst of flavor and nutrition? Dive into the world of Middle Eastern cuisine with our irresistible Baked Sweet Potato Falafels, perfectly paired with a creamy tahini sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing! This delightful recipe not only showcases the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes but also packs a protein punch with chickpeas. Whether you're looking for a hearty appetizer or a satisfying meal, these falafels are sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to discover how easy it is to whip up this healthy, mouthwatering dish in just 45 minutes!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Water as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash sweet potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork. Roast whole sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until completely soft and tender.
- Remove sweet potatoes from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Carefully peel off the skin and place the soft potato flesh in a large mixing bowl.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly. Add chickpeas to the sweet potato and mash together using a potato masher or fork until well combined but still slightly chunky.
- Add chopped parsley, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, flour, salt, and pepper to the sweet potato-chickpea mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Using clean hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized falafel shapes. Place each falafel on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Lightly spray or brush the falafels with olive oil to help them brown and crisp up during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Falafels should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- While falafels are baking, prepare the tahini sauce by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, and water until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency. Add salt to taste.
- Remove falafels from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with a side of mixed green salad or pita bread. Falafels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. Look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes for the best results.
- Roasting Technique: Don’t skip the step of piercing the sweet potatoes with a fork! This allows steam to escape while roasting, ensuring they cook evenly and don’t burst in the oven.
- Texture Matters: When mashing the sweet potatoes and chickpeas, aim for a slightly chunky texture. This will give your falafels a delightful bite and help them hold together better.
- Chill the Mixture: If you find the mixture too sticky to form into balls, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to shape your falafels.
- Baking Tips: For extra crispiness, make sure to space the falafels apart on the baking sheet and lightly coat them with olive oil before baking. Flip them halfway through for an even golden brown.
- Customize Your Tahini Sauce: Feel free to adjust the consistency of your tahini sauce by adding more or less water. For an extra kick, add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of cayenne pepper!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your falafels with a side of mixed greens, a dollop of yogurt, or wrapped in warm pita bread for a delicious and filling meal.
- Storage: Leftover falafels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
