Falafel and Cucumber Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden falafel accompanied by a cooling cucumber sauce offers a harmonious balance of bold Middle Eastern flavours and creamy freshness. This dish embodies both comfort and sophistication, making it equally suitable for casual weeknight meals or elegant gatherings. Infused with aromatic herbs and warm spices, it delivers a vibrant taste experience in every bite. Its combination of textures and flavours ensures a satisfying and nourishing meal that delights the senses.

Ingredients

For the Falafel:

• 1 ½ cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
• 1 small onion, roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup fresh parsley
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup flour or chickpea flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

For the Cucumber Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Falafel and Cucumber Sauce?

Begin by thoroughly draining the soaked chickpeas and combining them in a food processor with onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and aromatic spices. Pulse the mixture until coarse and grainy, creating a texture that ensures light and crisp falafel rather than dense or pasty bites. Incorporate baking powder and flour to bind the mixture while maintaining a rustic density, then shape into small balls or patties. Allow the falafel to rest in the refrigerator for thirty minutes to firm up, ensuring even cooking and a perfect exterior.

When ready, heat oil to medium hot and carefully fry the falafel until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels while preparing the cucumber sauce. Blend Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a refreshing and creamy accompaniment. The chilled sauce balances the warmth of the spices, enhancing the overall flavour and offering a cooling contrast to the crispy falafel.

Cooking Time

Active preparation for this recipe takes approximately twenty minutes, excluding the overnight soaking of chickpeas. The falafel fry in about fifteen minutes, yielding a total active cooking time of around thirty-five minutes. Resting the mixture in the refrigerator before frying ensures optimal texture and a consistent golden crust.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of falafel with cucumber sauce provides roughly 290 calories, offering a well-rounded balance of macronutrients. The dish contains approximately 11 grams of protein, 36 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of fat, 9 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of sugar. This combination makes it a flavourful, nourishing choice suitable for balanced eating patterns and wholesome meal planning.

Storage and Reheating

Falafel store exceptionally well in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. Reheating them in a hot oven restores their crisp exterior while maintaining the soft interior. For longer storage, falafel can be frozen for up to two months and reheated directly from frozen without compromising texture. The cucumber sauce should be refrigerated and consumed within two to three days to preserve its fresh and vibrant flavour.

Suggestions and Variations

Falafel can be elegantly presented on a platter with cucumber sauce either drizzled over or served on the side as a cooling dip. They enhance pita wraps, grain bowls, and mezze platters while pairing beautifully with fresh salads, warm flatbreads, or pickled vegetables. For those seeking extra heat, a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes adds a subtle kick, while baking the falafel offers a lighter alternative. Dairy-free yogurt can be used in the sauce to maintain a fully plant based version.

Seasonal Relevance

Falafel is a versatile dish enjoyed year round, but it is particularly refreshing during warmer months when herbs and cucumbers are at their peak. Its vibrant flavours and textures make it an ideal choice for summer picnics, outdoor gatherings, and festive occasions. The combination of crispy falafel and cooling cucumber sauce ensures a dish that is both comforting and celebratory, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences.