It was a chilly autumn morning when I first stumbled upon the idea of Falafel Waffles. I’d been craving something savory and comforting, but the thought of standing over a hot stove to fry up traditional falafel just didn’t appeal to me. That’s when it hit me – why not combine the incredible flavors of falafel with the ease and convenience of waffles?

I rushed to the kitchen, gathered the simple ingredients, and got to work. As the batter sizzled on the waffle iron, the aromas of cumin, coriander, and garlic filled the air, instantly transporting me to a bustling Middle Eastern market. When I pulled that first golden-brown waffle from the iron, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

The exterior was perfectly crisp, while the interior was soft and packed with the vibrant, earthy flavors of falafel. I topped it with a dollop of cool, creamy tahini sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and took my first bite. The combination of textures and flavors was absolutely heavenly – I was hooked from the very first forkful.

From that day on, Falafel Waffles have become a staple in my household. They’re incredibly easy to make, coming together in just 35 minutes, and the recipe makes enough for a family of six. Plus, the versatility is endless – you can dress them up or down, enjoy them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and even freeze the extras for a quick, satisfying meal down the road.

Why This Falafel Waffles Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Falafel Waffles

What sets this Falafel Waffles recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. By incorporating classic falafel spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic, we capture the essence of the beloved Middle Eastern dish. But the addition of a waffle-like batter gives the falafel an incredible crispy exterior and light, fluffy interior that’s simply irresistible.

The key to achieving this delightful contrast lies in the preparation method. Rather than deep-frying the falafel, we’re using a waffle iron to create a crunchy, golden-brown exterior that seals in all the aromatic spices. This not only makes the prep process a breeze, but it also significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making these Falafel Waffles a healthier option.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

At the heart of this recipe are the humble chickpeas, or garbanzo beans. These nutrient-dense legumes provide a sturdy base for the falafel, offering a creamy, almost nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

The all-purpose flour and baking powder work together to create a light, airy waffle texture, while the ground cumin and coriander lend their earthy, fragrant notes. Garlic powder and a touch of cayenne pepper add depth and a subtle heat that complements the other flavors perfectly.

Fresh parsley and cilantro brighten up the waffles, delivering a fresh, herbal complexity that cuts through the richness. And the unsweetened almond milk and olive oil help bind everything together, ensuring a cohesive batter that cooks up crisp and golden.

Step-by-Step Falafel Waffles Instructions

Preparing Your Falafel Waffles

With a quick 15-minute prep time and just 20 minutes in the waffle iron, this Falafel Waffles recipe comes together in a total of 35 minutes. All you’ll need is a waffle iron, a mixing bowl, and a few basic kitchen tools to get started.

1- Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to lightly mash the chickpeas, leaving some whole pieces for texture.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Gradually add this dry mixture to the mashed chickpeas, stirring until just combined.
3- Stir in the chopped parsley, cilantro, and unsweetened almond milk until the batter is smooth and well-incorporated. Finally, drizzle in the olive oil and mix until fully incorporated.
4- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease the surface. Scoop about 1/2 cup of the falafel batter onto the hot waffle iron, spreading it evenly. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the waffle is golden-brown and crispy.
5- Carefully remove the cooked waffle from the iron and place it on a wire rack or baking sheet to keep it warm while you cook the remaining batter.
6- Serve the hot Falafel Waffles immediately, topping them with your favorite garnishes like tahini sauce, diced cucumber, or a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

  1. For the crispiest waffles, be sure not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  2. Preheat your waffle iron thoroughly before adding the batter. This helps create that perfect golden-brown exterior.
  3. Resist the urge to peek while the waffles are cooking. Opening the iron too frequently can cause them to become dense and soggy.
  4. If your waffles stick to the iron, try lightly greasing the surface before adding the batter. You can also experiment with different oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Serving and Storing Your Falafel Waffles

Perfect Pairings for Falafel Waffles

These Falafel Waffles are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For a hearty breakfast, serve them with a side of scrambled eggs, fresh sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. They also make a satisfying lunch or dinner when paired with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce.

And don’t forget the drinks! The nutty, savory notes of the Falafel Waffles pair beautifully with a bold, aromatic coffee or a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed citrus juice. This recipe makes 6 servings, so it’s perfect for feeding a small crowd or enjoying throughout the week.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Falafel Waffles are incredibly easy to make ahead and store for quick, satisfying meals down the road. Once the waffles have cooled completely, you can stack them with parchment paper in between and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To reheat, simply place the waffles in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy. You can also quickly reheat them in a toaster oven or on a griddle.

For longer-term storage, the Falafel Waffles can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag. Reheat the frozen waffles directly from the freezer in the oven or toaster.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Falafel Waffles

Creative Falafel Waffles Variations

The possibilities for Falafel Waffles are endless! Try swapping out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or using whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. You can also experiment with different spice blends, like adding a teaspoon of baharat or ras el hanout for a Moroccan twist.

For a Mediterranean-inspired version, top the waffles with crumbled feta, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. Or, go for a Middle Eastern-style breakfast by serving the waffles with a side of creamy labneh, sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of sumac.

Making Falafel Waffles Diet-Friendly

This Falafel Waffles recipe is already quite health-conscious, but there are a few easy swaps you can make to accommodate various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly denser, but the flavor will still be spot-on.

To make these waffles vegan, omit the egg and use a plant-based milk like unsweetened soy or oat milk in place of the almond milk. You can also try swapping the olive oil for melted coconut oil or avocado oil. For a low-carb adaptation, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or ground flaxseed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! If using dried chickpeas, soak them in water overnight, then drain and rinse before mashing and incorporating them into the batter.

Q: How long does the total prep and cook time take?
A: This Falafel Waffles recipe has a total time of 35 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Falafel Waffles batter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a good stir before cooking.

Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Falafel Waffles recipe yields 6 servings.

Q: What should I do if my waffles stick to the iron?
A: If the waffles are sticking, try lightly greasing the waffle iron before adding the batter. You can also experiment with different oils or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

Falafel Waffles are the breakfast (or anytime) dish you never knew you needed, but once you try them, you’ll be hooked. The perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown exterior and soft, flavorful interior makes these waffles an absolute delight.

With a quick 35-minute prep and cook time, and a recipe that serves 6, Falafel Waffles are the perfect solution for busy weekday mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. I hope you’ll give this unique and delicious recipe a try – I know it’ll become a new staple in your household, just like it has in mine. Bon appétit!