How to Make Vegan Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce for Appetizers

How to Make Vegan Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce for Appetizers

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy appetizer to impress your guests or treat yourself? Look no further! Vegan falafel paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce is a fantastic choice. This Middle Eastern delicacy may sound exotic, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through the simple steps to create this tasty treat.

First, let’s break down what we’re making. Falafel is traditionally a deep-fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, herbs, and spices. Tzatziki, on the other hand, is a creamy sauce often found in Mediterranean cuisine, made primarily from yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic. In this recipe, we’ll be tweaking the traditional tzatziki to make it vegan-friendly without compromising on its cool, creamy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Vegan Falafel:

• 2 cups of dry chickpeas (soaked overnight in plenty of water)
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• A handful of fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons of cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Vegan Tzatziki:

• 1 cup of unsweetened coconut yogurt (or any plant-based yogurt)
• 1 small cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparing the Falafel:

1. Rinse and Drain: Start by rinsing your soaked chickpeas and draining them well. This is crucial for the texture we want in our falafel.

2. Combine: In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and baking soda. Pulse until you get a coarse meal, ensuring not to over-process into a paste. We’re looking for a gritty texture that will hold together when pressed.

3. Chill: Transfer the mixture into a bowl and let it sit in the fridge for about an hour. This step helps the flavors meld together and makes the mix easier to shape.

4. Shape: Once chilled, take the mix out and shape it into small balls or patties depending on your preference. If the mix is too dry and crumbly, you might need to add a little water; if too wet, a bit of chickpea flour will help.

5. Fry: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Carefully drop the falafel balls or patties into the oil and fry until golden brown, usually about 2-4 minutes on each side. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Preparing the Vegan Tzatziki:

1. Prep the Cucumber: Take your grated cucumber and make sure to squeeze out any excess water—this will keep our tzatziki nice and thick.

2. Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumber, plant-based yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

3. Chill: Ideally, let your tzatziki sit in the fridge for a little while before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Serving Your Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce

Now that you have your crispy falafel and cool, creamy tzatziki, it’s time to serve! Arrange your falafel on a platter and either dollop the tzatziki on top or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with some fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Falafel with tzatziki is not only a delicious and satisfying appetizer but also a conversation starter! It’s a wonderful way to introduce your guests to new flavors and show off your culinary skills with something a little different.

By following these simple steps, you can easily bring a taste of the Middle East into your home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty snack, vegan falafel with tzatziki sauce is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your cooking adventure!