vegetables
vegan
pan-fried
everyday
main course
crispy
Middle Eastern
all seasons
Hot
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Falafel
Difficulty
easy
Time
40m
Price Category
average
Calories
Medium
This falafel recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Middle Eastern staple. The sweetness and creamy texture of the sweet potato perfectly complement the earthy chickpeas, while fresh herbs and aromatic spices add a vibrant flavor. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these falafels are guaranteed to please everyone, from vegans to meat-eaters. They are a perfect choice for a light lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for a party.
ingredients
Steps
Prepare Sweet Potato
Peel and dice the sweet potato. Boil it in salted water until tender (about 10-15 minutes), then drain thoroughly and mash with a fork or potato masher. Let it cool down.
Make Falafel Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, mashed sweet potato, flour, finely chopped parsley and cilantro, minced red onion and garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Mix by hand or in a food processor until you get a well-formable but still slightly chunky mixture. Do not over-process into a smooth paste.
Form and Fry
With damp hands, form the mixture into walnut-sized balls or flatter patties. Heat ample vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat (about 170-180°C / 340-350°F). Fry the falafel in batches for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve
Serve the warm falafel immediately with fresh salad, pita bread, and a yogurt or tahini sauce.
Extra Tips
► If you're not a fan of cilantro, feel free to omit it or substitute with more parsley.
► Chill the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes before frying; this helps them hold their shape better.
► Serve in pita bread with fresh salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for the complete experience.
Nutrition
| Per 100g | Per Serving 200g / 7 oz | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280kcal | 560kcal |
| Protein | 9g | 18g |
| Fat | 15g | 30g |
| Carbohydrate | 28g | 56g |
| Fiber | 6g | 12g |
| Sugar | 4g | 8g |