Waffle Falafel is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. Picture this: crispy, golden-brown falafel, bursting with flavor, nestled in a fluffy waffle that’s light yet satisfying. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and beckoning you to dive right in. Imagine devouring this delightful dish at brunch with friends or enjoying it as a quirky weeknight dinner, where laughter fills the room just as much as your plate.
Now, let me take you back to a sunny Saturday morning when I first attempted to create Waffle Falafel. My kitchen was filled with the sounds of sizzling chickpeas and the clattering of waffle irons. As I watched my creation transform into something magical, I couldn’t help but feel like a mad scientist, but instead of potions, I was mixing spices and ingredients for sheer deliciousness. This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weekend brunch or a fun dinner party, it promises to be the talk of the table!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Waffle Falafel is quick and easy to make, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.
- It combines savory flavors with crispy textures, resulting in an unforgettable bite.
- The visual appeal of golden waffles topped with green falafel is sure to impress your guests.
- It’s versatile; serve it as breakfast, lunch, or dinner—any time is waffle time!
Ingredients for Waffle Falafel
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chickpeas: Use canned chickpeas for convenience or soak dried ones overnight for extra flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Opt for vibrant parsley leaves; they add freshness and color to your falafel.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides that punchy flavor that makes everything better don’t skimp on it!
- Cumin: This aromatic spice gives your falafel its signature earthy flavor; use freshly ground if possible.
- Waffle Mix: You can use store-bought mix or whip up your own from scratch fluffy waffles await!
- Eggs: Essential for binding; if vegan, flaxseed eggs work wonderfully too.
- Olive Oil: A splash adds richness to both the falafel and the waffle deliciously indispensable.
For serving:
- Tahini Sauce: This creamy drizzle takes your Waffle Falafel over the top make sure not to skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Waffle Falafel
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chickpeas
Drain and rinse your chickpeas thoroughly. In a food processor, combine them with parsley, garlic cloves, cumin, salt, and pepper until you have a coarse mixture.
Step 2: Form the Falafel
Transfer the mixture into a bowl and stir in eggs until well combined. Form small patties or balls; they should hold together without falling apart.
Step 3: Preheat Your Waffle Iron
While you let those falafel rest for about ten minutes (patience is key), preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions so it’s ready for some magic.
Step 4: Make Your Waffles
Prepare your waffle mix according to package directions (or your favorite recipe), then pour batter into the preheated waffle iron as directed.
Step 5: Cook the Falafel
Once your waffles are done cooking (golden brown perfection), cook those falafel patties in olive oil over medium heat until crispy on both sides—around three minutes per side works wonders!
Step 6: Assemble Your Creation
Stack a fluffy waffle high with crispy falafel and drizzle generously with tahini sauce. Serve hot and watch everyone swoon!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every mouthful of this whimsical fusion that will leave you grinning from ear to ear!
You Must Know
- This Waffle Falafel recipe is not only a delicious fusion of flavors, but it’s also a fantastic way to impress your friends at brunch.
- The crispy exterior and fluffy interior make it a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
- You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your falafel mixture and letting it sit while you preheat your waffle iron. Once hot, cook the falafel until golden brown while simultaneously whipping up your favorite dipping sauces. This multitasking approach ensures everything comes together perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chickpeas for black beans or add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick. You could even toss in some grated zucchini for added moisture and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Waffle Falafel, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, pop them back in the waffle iron or air fryer to regain that delightful crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect crunch, ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the falafel batter.
- Don’t overcrowd the iron; give each waffle room to expand.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces like tzatziki or spicy harissa for a flavor explosion!
Sometimes I whip up these Waffle Falafels for weekend brunch, and my friends rave about them! They don’t realize how easy they are to make, which makes me feel like a kitchen wizard every time.
FAQs:
What is Waffle Falafel?
Waffle Falafel is a unique twist on traditional falafel, combining the classic chickpea mixture with a waffle-like texture. It is made by mixing ground chickpeas with herbs and spices, then cooking the mixture in a waffle iron. This method creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist interior, offering a delightful alternative to standard falafel. It’s an excellent option for those looking to enjoy plant-based meals in a fun and innovative way.
How do I serve Waffle Falafel?
You can serve Waffle Falafel in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Consider placing them atop fresh salads, or serving them with tahini sauce or yogurt-based dips. You could also use them as a filling for wraps or pita bread, adding fresh vegetables for a delicious meal. Pairing them with pickled vegetables or hot sauces can provide an extra kick to this delightful dish.
Can I make Waffle Falafel gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Waffle Falafel gluten-free by using gluten-free flour as a binding agent instead of regular flour. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free. This adaptation allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious dish without compromising on taste or texture.
How long does it take to prepare Waffle Falafel?
Preparing Waffle Falafel typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes the time needed for soaking the chickpeas if you choose to use dried ones, along with the blending of ingredients and cooking in the waffle iron. The entire process is quick and convenient, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Conclusion for Waffle Falafel:
Waffle Falafel offers a creative spin on a beloved classic, combining crispy texture with rich flavors found in traditional falafel recipes. By utilizing chickpeas and aromatic herbs, this dish provides a nutritious option that is both filling and satisfying. Whether served alone or as part of a larger meal, it caters to diverse dietary needs while remaining easy to prepare. Try making Waffle Falafel at home for your next gathering; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Waffle Falafel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Waffle Falafel combines crispy falafel with fluffy waffles for a unique and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg (or 1 flaxseed egg for vegan option)
- 1 cup waffle mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large egg (or 1 flaxseed egg for vegan option)
- Water according to package instructions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Tahini sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pulse until you achieve a coarse mixture.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in the egg until well combined. Form small patties or balls.
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
- Prepare waffle mix by combining it with water and an egg in a bowl until smooth.
- Let falafel patties rest for about 10 minutes while cooking the waffles.
- Pour batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to instructions until golden brown.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook falafel patties until crispy on both sides, about three minutes per side.
- Stack a fluffy waffle high with crispy falafel and drizzle generously with tahini sauce. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Waffle Falafel (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment by incorporating spices like smoked paprika or swapping chickpeas for black beans. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the waffle iron or air fryer for crispiness.
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