spicy baked falafel

Y'all know how much I love falafel. I ate it more times than is remotely acceptable on our trip to Paris last summer, and ever since then I get it whenever possible. I hesitated to make it at home because 1) my fear of frying and 2) my fear that I wouldn't be able to replicate its goodness.

But! I saw this baked recipe that sounded fabulous, so I had to go ahead and try it out. And y'all -- it was soooo good. The spices are just perfect, it couldn't be easier to make, and it totally exceeded my expectations.

Serve it on its own, over a salad, in a pita... try it out!

Spicy Baked Falafel (adapted from How Sweet Eats)
serves 2-4

you'll need:
2 (14 oz.) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
4 garlic cloves, chopped
4 green onions, sliced
1 egg
juice of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
dash of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
tzatziki, for serving

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients (except tzatziki) in a food processor or blender. Pulse until crumbly and combined.

Scoop about 2 tablespoons worth and form a small patty with your hands. Place falafel on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until slightly crisp on top. Serve with tzatziki sprinkled with parsley and red pepper flakes.

You can also pan-fry these if you'd like! Just heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet and cook each patty until browned on both sides.

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