Why You’ll Love These Savory Falafel Waffles

In our home, falafel is a beloved staple, cherished for its incredible flavor and its versatility as a plant-based protein. It’s truly a feel-good food that I’m happy to serve my family. While we often enjoy classic recipes like Falafel Vegetable Kabobs and Falafel Sliders, these Falafel Waffles bring an exciting, innovative twist to the table. Just like my popular Chaffles Recipe, which combines eggs and cheese into a unique waffle, these savory chickpea waffles offer a fantastic alternative to traditional sweet options.

This recipe is designed to transform the familiar into something extraordinary. By blending chickpeas, onions, garlic, fresh parsley, and a medley of warm Mediterranean spices with a touch of flour and baking powder, we create a light yet satisfying falafel batter that crisps up beautifully in a waffle iron. The result? A savory waffle that’s perfect for any meal of the day – be it a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a flavorful snack.

What truly elevates these Falafel Waffles is the accompaniment. Served with a refreshing Lebanese salad and a creamy, homemade tahini sauce, each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Plus, these waffles are incredibly convenient! You can easily prepare a larger batch and store them to reheat throughout the week. My favorite method for reheating is the air fryer, which restores their irresistible crispy exterior, or a quick toast in the toaster oven or a warm oven.

Essential Ingredients for Your Mediterranean Falafel Waffles

Crafting these unique Falafel Waffles requires a blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients that capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect savory waffles and their delicious accompaniments:

For the Crispy Falafel Waffles:

• CHICKPEAS: The foundation of falafel, providing a creamy texture and abundant plant-based protein.
• RED ONION: Adds a sharp, vibrant flavor that complements the chickpeas.
• SPICES: A robust blend of CUMIN, CORIANDER, and PAPRIKA for authentic Mediterranean warmth, with optional CAYENNE PEPPER for a hint of heat.
• LEMON JUICE: Brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity crucial for falafel.
• FLOUR & BAKING POWDER: Provide structure and a fluffy, waffle-like consistency.
• GARLIC: Essential for that characteristic savory depth.
• EGG WHITES: Help bind the mixture and contribute to a lighter texture.
• OLIVE OIL: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden-brown crisp.

For the Fresh Lebanese Salad:

• TOMATO: Juicy and sweet, offering a fresh contrast.
• CUCUMBER: Cool and crisp, balancing the rich falafel flavors.
• RED ONION: A milder onion for a gentle bite in the salad.
• PARSLEY: Fresh and herbaceous, a hallmark of Lebanese salads.
• LEMON JUICE: Provides the essential zesty dressing.
• OLIVE OIL: For a smooth, flavorful vinaigrette.

For the Creamy Tahini Sauce:

While the full ingredients for the tahini sauce are detailed in the recipe card below, know that it typically includes tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt, creating a perfect creamy, nutty counterpoint to the savory waffles.

How to Make The Best Falafel Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful Falafel Waffles is surprisingly simple, blending the process of making traditional falafel with the ease of a waffle maker. Follow these steps for a perfect Mediterranean meal:

Preparing the Falafel Waffle Batter:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, chopped red onion, fragrant cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, all-purpose flour, fresh parsley, baking powder, garlic cloves, egg whites, and olive oil.
2. Process Until Smooth: Pulse the mixture until it forms a thick, somewhat chunky batter. You want it to be well combined but still have a bit of texture, similar to a traditional falafel mixture. Avoid over-processing to prevent it from becoming a paste.

Cooking the Falafel Waffles:

3. Preheat Waffle Iron: Thoroughly spray your waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and achieving a perfectly crisp waffle.
4. Cook Waffles: Once hot, spoon the falafel mixture into the waffle iron, filling it about three-quarters of the way. Close the lid and cook for approximately 7-9 minutes, or until the falafel waffles are beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch in the center. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your waffle iron.
5. Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the cooked falafel waffles.

Preparing the Fresh Lebanese Salad:

6. Mix Salad Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced English cucumber, diced red onion, fresh chopped parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss gently until all ingredients are well mixed and coated.

Whipping up the Tahini Sauce:

7. Prepare Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl or a mason jar, combine all tahini sauce ingredients (tahini, water, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper). Whisk or shake vigorously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually add a bit more water until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Finally, arrange your hot falafel waffles on a platter, generously top them with the fresh Lebanese salad, and drizzle with plenty of tahini sauce. Enjoy this unique and incredibly satisfying Mediterranean meal!

Pro Tips for Perfect Falafel Waffles Every Time

Making delicious falafel waffles is straightforward, but a few expert tips can elevate your experience and ensure consistently great results. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these pointers will help you master this unique recipe:

• Always Spray the Waffle Iron Generously: This step cannot be overstated! Falafel batter, with its chickpea base, can be prone to sticking. A liberal coating of non-stick cooking spray before each waffle batch is essential to ensure easy release and a beautifully crisp, intact waffle. It also contributes to that desirable golden-brown exterior.
• Smart Storage for Meal Prep: These falafel waffles are fantastic for meal prepping. Once cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and use a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes for quick and healthy meals throughout the week.
• Reheating for Optimal Crispiness: To bring your stored falafel waffles back to life with their original crisp texture, avoid the microwave. My preferred methods are the air fryer or a toaster. A few minutes in the air fryer (at around 350°F/175°C) or a cycle in the toaster will re-crisp them beautifully. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven on low heat (around 300°F/150°C) until warm and slightly crispy.
• Customize Your Spices: The spices listed (cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne) provide a classic Mediterranean flavor profile. However, feel free to experiment! You could add a pinch of turmeric for color and earthy notes, a dash of dried mint for freshness, or even a touch of sumac for a tangy twist. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
• Elevate with Cheese: For those who love a cheesy addition, feta cheese is a natural complement to Mediterranean flavors. You can gently fold crumbled feta into the falafel batter before cooking for pockets of salty goodness. Alternatively, sprinkle feta, or even shredded halloumi, over the hot, freshly cooked waffles just before serving, allowing the residual heat to soften it slightly.

Explore More Mediterranean Recipes You Might Like:

If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of these Falafel Waffles, you’re sure to enjoy these other Mediterranean-inspired dishes:

MEDITERRANEAN BEAN SALAD: A hearty and refreshing salad packed with legumes and fresh vegetables.

MEDITERRANEAN ROASTED VEGETABLES: Simple yet flavorful roasted veggies, perfect as a side or main.

EASY LEBANESE SALAD: The classic fresh salad that pairs perfectly with almost any meal.

MEDITERRANEAN BAKED TURKEY MEATBALLS: Lean and flavorful meatballs, great for dinner or meal prep.

MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT SALAD: A smoky and delicious eggplant dish, rich in flavor.

MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL SALAD: A nutritious and filling salad, ideal for a light lunch.

TABBOULEH STUFFED PEPPERS: Colorful bell peppers filled with a fresh tabbouleh mix.

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Falafel Waffles

By
Julia Jolliff

Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

20 minutes
mins

Total:

35 minutes
mins

Servings:

3
servings

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Saved
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Falafel Waffles are the perfect Mediterranean breakfast to start your day!

Ingredients

• ▢
  1 – 15 ounce chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• ▢
  1/4 cup red onion, chopped

• ▢
  1 teaspoon cumin

• ▢
  1/2 teaspoon coriander

• ▢
  1/2 teaspoon paprika

• ▢
  1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper , {optional}

• ▢
  1/2 teaspoon salt

• ▢
  1/8 teaspoon black pepper

• ▢
  1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ▢
  2 tablespoons all purpose flour

• ▢
  1/4 cup fresh parsley

• ▢
  1 teaspoon baking powder

• ▢
  4 garlic cloves

• ▢
  2 egg whites

• ▢
  1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• ▢
  2 tomatoes, diced {about 1 cup}

• ▢
  1/4 english cucumber, diced

• ▢
  1/2 red onion, diced

• ▢
  1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• ▢
  2 teaspoons lemon juice

• ▢
  1/2 cup tahini

• ▢
  2 tablespoons water

• ▢
  3 teaspoons olive oil

• ▢
  1 lemon, juiced

• ▢
  2 garlic

• ▢
  Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Combine the chickpeas, onion, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, all-purpose flour, fresh parsley, baking powder, garlic cloves, egg whites and olive oil in a food processor or blender.
• Spray the waffle iron with non-stick spray. Preheat the waffle iron. Fill the waffle iron about three-quarters of the way full and close the lid.
• Cook until the falafel is golden brown and firm in the center, about 7-9 minutes.
• Serve with the Lebanese salad and tahini sauce.
• Mix all of the ingredients for the salad in a medium bowl and mix well.
• In a medium mixing bowl or a mason jar combine all ingredients and stir well until combined. Add more water for a thinner consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories:
590
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
30
g

,

Protein:
13
g

,

Fat:
50
g

,

Saturated Fat:
7
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
13
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
29
g

,

Sodium:
593
mg

,

Potassium:
693
mg

,

Fiber:
6
g

,

Sugar:
6
g

,

Vitamin A:
1902
IU

,

Vitamin C:
53
mg

,

Calcium:
206
mg

,

Iron:
4
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Today’s recipe is sponsored by Heinen’s. As always, opinions are 100% my own.