Guys, I have a love story to share with y'all today. This story is called "Love at First Falafel".
It all started when I decided to have lunch with my sister at one of our favorite food spots of all time, Mama Pita (which, by the way if you live near Plano, TX and haven't been...quick question: what are you doing?!!). I proceeded to make my usual order as I walked down the aisle of yummy selections, happily telling the server what I wanted.
"Garlic and beet hummus pls, uh, that salad closest to you...no not that one, the other one, yes that one pls, 2 scoops of feta...okay just one more, roasted potatoes, chick..". Suddenly I stopped. I looked up at the menu at a word that I had overlooked every single time I had been there in the past - mainly because I didn't want to butcher the pronunciation and suddenly have everyone stop and laugh at me like "ha, look at this amateur, who even says it like that?!"
I could just picture it in my head, me dropping my tray screaming "don't judge me!" and running out the door to hide in my car. Okay, I know I'm being a tad over dramatic but still.
I stood there, faced with two choices. I could either just order the chicken like I normally did, or I could dig for the courage deep within to order the interesting food with the funky name. "You know what, I'm going to try those little crispy ball things instead today pls" I mumbled. "Huh? You mean the falafel?" the lady yelled back, making it even more apparent that I had just referred to them as the crispy ball things. She placed 4 on my plate and I went to the cashier to pay.
As I sat staring at my delicious Mediterranean platter, falafel staring back at me, I picked one up with my fork and took a bite. Pause. In that moment, the background noise began to fade out, a sort of heavenly like glow began to cast down over me and my falafel and I sat there in pure harmony with the sweet sound of a harp playing in the background. "Falafel" I said ever so softly, "where have you been all my life?"
The falafel just kind of sat there on the fork as if to say "welcome to life, Victoria. This is the true meaning of life."
From that moment on, the falafel and I lived happily ever after, the end. *grabs tissue*
Okay so seriously, on to this recipe. Guys, this oven baked falafel is what needs to be happenin' in your kitchen, right now, today. You're getting mouthfuls of that nicely seasoned, garlicy chickpea center. The earthy green color which is produced by the parsley and cilantro. Little bites that are power packed with protein. This you guys, is a party that your taste buds surely don't wanna miss out on.
Oh! Quick reminder in case you haven't had a chance to check out my Lemon Beet Hummus recipe. I'll be posting a recipe at the end of this week that incorporates BOTH the hummus and this delicious falafel. THIS IS LOVE. ♥
[mpprecipe-recipe:67]
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4 Falafel
Servings Per Container 3
Amount Per Serving
Calories 154
Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g
2%
Saturated Fat 0g
0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 737mg
31%
Total Carbohydrate 25g
8%
Dietary Fiber 6g
24%
Sugars 1g
Protein 6g
12%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Becca says
I just discovered your blog today and instantly fell in love! Do you live in Plano?? Because if so: SMALL WORLD. I've been wondering about Mama Pita because I work near the Shops and now I wish I would've gone there instead of Zoe's yesterday for my birthday lunch! Anyway, I can't WAIT to try a bunch of your recipes. I'm TRYING to do the keto thing, but my carb-lover boyfriend makes it hard. Cheers! Looking forward to more!
Vicci says
Becca!
1st: I'm SO sorry that it has taken me this long to reply. I'm in my final two weeks (AAH) of nursing school and to say that my mind has turned to mush is a severe understatement *nervous chuckle*
2nd: YES! I do happen to live in Plano (downtown area) so small world indeed! Mama Pita is one of my favorite go-to's for good, clean eats. But I also do love Zoe's (their kabobs are life). Good luck on your keto journey, you can totes do it! The key is to secretly replace every carby item around with cauliflower - your boyfriend won't even notice the difference! (this may be the optimism speaking) 😉
Melissa says
I am obsessed with this recipe! I made it yesterday morning, let it rest while I was at work, and baked them when I got home and they turned out so delicious! I put some in a wrap with garlic sauce and veggies and it was perfection!
lehcar9587Rachel says
I'm not seeing the nutritional information. Am I missing it?
Vicci says
So sorry, I'm in the process of revamping the blog so I'm having to go in and update nutritional info for the recipes one at a time. Nutritional info is now available. Thanks for your patience! 🙂
John Steudle says
Just came across this recipe; it looks awesome and cant wait to try it. Just a quick question. You highlighted that it was only 154 calories (which is awesome since they aren't being fried), but what I could not find anywhere was the serving size? Is it per falafel or 3 to 4 since that is usually how many are used with a pita? Thanks!
Vicci says
John, SO sorry for the snail-paced reply. College has been kicking butt. 154 calories for 4 falafel 🙂
Leah says
When do the chickpeas get added?
Vicci says
The chickpeas are added in the first step, thanks Leah! 🙂
Camilla @FabFood4All says
Love these falafels and great that they are extra healthy being oven baked:-)
Vicci says
Yes I agree, Camilla. I'm a huge fan of the fried falafel also, but this is a great way to cut back on some of those calories 🙂
Daniela Apostol says
As much as l love falafels, l must say l've never made some myself. Your recipe looks fantastic, and love the fact that they are baked rather than fried. Healthy and delicious!
Vicci says
Thanks, Daniela. This recipe is surprisingly super easy and a great to have falafel all summer long!
Brian Jones says
I've been kicking around 4 or 5 falafel recipes for the last year or so and am not really over the top on any of them just yet, these look great the nutmeg idea is great, I personally use mace which is very similar 🙂
Vicci says
I never thought to use mace but I'm sure that it would add a nice kick! Thanks for stopping by, Brian 🙂
Igor @ Cooking The Globe says
I love falafel so much. I actually made them for my blog too, just fried them instead of baking. Great recipe!
Vicci says
I just checked out your falafel recipe, Igor. Those pita pockets look scrumptious!
Karly says
I love falafel, and this recipe looks fantastic!
Vicci says
Thanks, Karly 🙂