Falafel Wrap with Hummus, Fresh Vegetables, and Tahini Dressing Recipe
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If you are craving a vibrant, wholesome meal that bursts with Middle Eastern flair, the Falafel Wrap with Hummus, Fresh Vegetables, and Tahini Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together crispy, golden falafel balls nestled inside a soft wrap, layered with creamy hummus, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, and a luscious tahini dressing that ties all the flavors together. It’s an unbeatable combination of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and healthy, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that never gets boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors. From the fragrant herbs in the falafel to the creamy, tangy tahini sauce, these simple ingredients combine into a wrap you’ll want to make again and again.
- Dried chickpeas: The foundation for homemade falafel; soaking them overnight ensures a perfect texture for crispy outsides and tender insides.
- Fresh parsley, cilantro, and mint: These herbs infuse the falafel mixture with vibrant, fresh notes.
- Green onions and garlic: Add a mild bite and depth to the falafel flavor.
- Flour and baking powder: Help bind the falafel mixture and create fluffy pockets inside.
- Wraps or pita bread: Choose your favorite to cradle all the delicious fillings.
- Hummus: Creamy and rich, it adds a moisturizing layer that complements the falafel perfectly.
- Shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and pickled onions: Provide crunch, acidity, and bursts of freshness.
- Tahini, lemon juice, salt, and cold water: Whisked into a silky dressing that elevates the wrap with nutty, citrusy goodness.
- Oil for frying: Used to crisp the falafel to golden perfection.
How to Make Falafel Wrap with Hummus, Fresh Vegetables, and Tahini Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Soak and Prep the Chickpeas
Start your journey by soaking dried chickpeas in plenty of water for at least 8 hours or overnight. This step is crucial because it softens the chickpeas just right without cooking them, making sure the falafel has that signature light crumbly texture rather than dense or mushy.
Step 2: Blend the Falafel Mixture
Drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly before transferring them to a food processor. Add fresh parsley, cilantro, mint, green onions, garlic, flour, cumin, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Pulse the mixture until everything is finely chopped but still has a bit of texture for that perfect falafel bite. Feel free to adjust with small amounts of water or flour if the consistency is too dry or wet.
Step 3: Form and Chill Falafel Balls
With slightly wet hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into 12 to 16 equal-sized balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes, which helps them hold together better during frying and intensifies their flavor.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat and fry the falafel balls in batches. Cook each batch for 2 to 3 minutes or until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter version, an air fryer works wonderfully without compromising the crisp texture.
Step 5: Prepare Fresh Vegetables and Tahini Dressing
While the falafel cooks, chop the lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and pickled onions so they are ready for assembling. For your tahini dressing, whisk together tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and cold water until smooth and pourable. The balance between thick and runny here is key to generously drizzling it without overpowering the wrap.
Step 6: Assemble the Wrap
Lay each wrap flat and spread a generous line of creamy hummus down the center. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, juicy tomato slices, tangy pickles, and zesty pickled onions. Top with four crispy falafel balls and drizzle with the luscious tahini dressing. Roll up your wrap tightly, wrapping it in parchment paper if you like, making it easy to hold and enjoy every mouthwatering bite.
How to Serve Falafel Wrap with Hummus, Fresh Vegetables, and Tahini Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of sumac or a few sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or mint can brighten and elevate the wrap even further. A light dusting of crushed chili flakes works beautifully if you enjoy a little kick.
Side Dishes
This falafel wrap pairs wonderfully with classic Middle Eastern sides like tabbouleh salad, a cooling cucumber yogurt dip, or crispy roasted chickpeas. These sides complement the wrap’s brightness and offer textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the fully assembled wrap into pinwheels to serve at parties or gatherings. You can also turn the elements into a falafel bowl by layering hummus, falafel, and veggies over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice for a deconstructed take.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tahini dressing separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Falafel balls freeze excellently. After frying and cooling completely, freeze them on a tray individually before transferring to an airtight container or bag. They will keep frozen for up to 3 months and can be crisped up directly from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, place frozen or refrigerated falafel in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that signature falafel crunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?
While canned chickpeas are convenient, they hold too much moisture for falafel and often result in a mushy texture. Using dried chickpeas soaked overnight produces the best falafel texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This entire recipe is naturally vegan, relying on chickpeas, herbs, vegetables, and tahini, making it a perfect plant-based option.
What can I substitute for tahini if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have tahini, you can blend sunflower seed butter or peanut butter with lemon juice and water as a backup, though traditional tahini’s sesame flavor is unique and worth trying to find.
Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a healthier alternative. Place the falafel balls on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp.
How long does the tahini dressing keep?
The tahini dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It may thicken over time, so whisk in a little water before serving if needed.
Final Thoughts
The Falafel Wrap with Hummus, Fresh Vegetables, and Tahini Dressing Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, fragrant ingredients coming together in one easy, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes — crispy, creamy, tangy, and fresh. Give it a go and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorite wraps that you’ll want on repeat.
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Falafel Wrap with Hummus, Fresh Vegetables, and Tahini Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Falafel Wrap recipe combines crispy, golden falafel balls made from soaked chickpeas and fresh herbs with creamy hummus, crisp lettuce, tangy pickled onions, and a zesty tahini dressing, all wrapped in warm pita bread or your choice of wrap. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful vegetarian meal, this recipe uses a frying method for the falafel, delivering a satisfying crunch and vibrant taste in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Falafel Balls
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 cup parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped
- 10 mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 green onions, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons flour (chickpea flour or any flour)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Wrap Assembly
- 16 falafel balls – store bought or homemade (from above)
- 4 wraps of choice or pita bread
- ¾ cup hummus – store bought or homemade
- Pickled onions or sumac onions
- Shredded lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
Tahini Dressing
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Pinch of salt
- 2–4 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Soak Chickpeas: In a large bowl, soak the dried chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Make sure the bowl is large enough as the chickpeas will double in size.
- Prepare Chickpeas: Drain the soaked chickpeas and rinse well under cold water. Place them in a food processor and pulse a few times to roughly chop.
- Combine Ingredients: Roughly chop parsley, cilantro, mint, and green onions. Add them to the food processor along with the garlic clove, flour, cumin, baking powder, and water. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Process Mixture: Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined but still retains some texture.
- Shape Falafel Balls: With wet hands, form the mixture into 12-16 balls depending on preferred size. Adjust the consistency by adding water if crumbly or flour if too wet.
- Chill Falafel: Place shaped falafel balls on parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to set.
- Fry Falafel: Heat oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Fry falafel balls in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Alternatively, cook in an air fryer if preferred.
- Prepare Wrap Ingredients: Chop lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and pickled onions. Prepare hummus and pita bread if making homemade.
- Make Tahini Dressing: In a bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, salt, and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Add more water to achieve a thick yet pourable consistency.
- Assemble Wrap: Spread hummus vertically down the center of each wrap. Layer with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and onions.
- Add Falafel and Dressing: Place 4 falafel balls on top, drizzle with tahini dressing, then roll the wrap burrito-style. Wrap in parchment paper for easier handling and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought falafel balls to skip making falafel from scratch.
- Adjust the water and flour in the falafel mixture to get the right texture for shaping.
- For a healthier option, consider air frying the falafel instead of deep frying.
- Pickled onions or sumac onions add a nice tangy contrast; add according to preference.
- Homemade hummus and pita bread elevate the wrap but store-bought versions work well for convenience.
- Serve immediately after assembly for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern