It was a quiet evening when inspiration struck. As I gazed at my bag of falafel mix, I wondered—what if I reimagined this Middle Eastern classic as a waffle? The result was magical: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with warm, spiced flavors. That day, the humble falafel took on a whole new identity as a falafel waffle, quickly becoming a staple in my kitchen. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with other healthy savory waffle recipes that bring new life to classic dishes.
In this article, there’ll be how to make falafel waffles, including recipes with chickpea flour, store-bought falafel mix, and creative serving ideas. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or a unique brunch item, falafel waffles have you covered.
What Is a Falafel Waffle?
A falafel waffle is a creative take on traditional falafel. Instead of frying the chickpea-based batter into balls, it’s cooked in a waffle maker, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior and a tender interior. This method reduces the need for deep frying, making it a healthier and less messy option.
Ingredients for Falafel Waffles
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (or canned, rinsed, and drained)
- 2 tablespoons chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Optional Toppings:
- Lemon Dijon Sauce
- Creamy Lemon Yogurt Slaw
- Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce
Recommended Tools for Falafel Waffles
- Hamilton Beach Belgian Mini Waffle Maker: Buy Now on Amazon – Ideal for creating perfectly crispy falafel waffles.
- DASH Mini Waffle Maker: Shop Here – Great for smaller portions and quick meals.
Falafel Waffles Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is smooth but slightly chunky.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and mix in the chickpea flour. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the batter holds together but isn’t too wet.
2. Preheat the Waffle Maker
- Preheat your waffle maker and grease the plates with cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil.
- Recommended Tool: Cuisinart Round Waffle Maker – Perfect for evenly cooked falafel waffles.
Looking to explore beyond breakfast? Check out our guide to the best waffle makers for unique recipes like these falafel waffles.
3. Cook the Waffles
- Scoop a portion of the falafel batter onto the waffle maker and spread it evenly. Close the lid and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Falafel Waffle Variations
1. Falafel Waffles with Falafel Mix
- Use a store-bought falafel mix to save time. Simply follow the package instructions to prepare the batter, then cook it in your waffle maker.
2. Lebanese Falafel Waffles
- Add a dash of sumac and sesame seeds to the batter for an authentic Lebanese touch.
3. Falafel Waffles with Chickpea Flour
- Replace whole chickpeas with chickpea flour and adjust the water content to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Fawaffle with Lemon Dijon Sauce
- Serve your falafel waffles with a tangy lemon Dijon sauce made from 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.
What to Serve with Falafel Waffles
- Creamy Lemon Yogurt Slaw: Combine shredded cabbage, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a refreshing topping.
- Fresh Vegetables: Top the waffles with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and pickled onions.
- Dips: Pair with hummus, tzatziki, or tahini sauce.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside a tabbouleh salad or roasted vegetables.
FAQs About Falafel Waffles
- What is a falafel made of?
Falafel is traditionally made from ground chickpeas or fava beans mixed with herbs, spices, and onions.
- Is falafel healthy or fattening?
Falafel can be a healthy option, especially when baked or cooked in a waffle maker instead of deep-fried. It’s high in protein, fibre, and nutrients.
- What to serve with falafel waffles?
Pair falafel waffles with creamy dips, fresh vegetables, or tangy sauces for a complete meal.
If you enjoyed this creative twist, check out our article on Crispy Rice in a Waffle Maker for another unique use of your waffle maker.
Conclusion
Falafel waffles are a modern twist on a beloved Middle Eastern dish, offering the perfect balance of crispy texture and bold flavours. With simple ingredients and a waffle maker, you can transform traditional falafel into an innovative meal or snack. Whether served with creamy slaw, tangy sauces, or fresh veggies, falafel waffles are sure to become a favourite in your kitchen.
