Served over a bed of spring greens or alongside homemade flatbreads, falafel is a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for the warm summer nights.
The incomparable Anthony Bourdain once said, “It’s an irritating reality that many places and events defy description…seem to demand silence, like a love affair you can never talk about. For a while after, you fumble for words, trying vainly to assemble a private narrative, an explanation, a comfortable way to frame where you’ve been and what’s happened. In the end, you’re just happy you were there…with your eyes open…and lived to see it.”
Like everyone else, I have a love/hate relationship with social media. There are times where I get so absorbed in the lives and moments of others, I miss out on what’s in front of me. Those times are equally matched however, by moments of such unaccountable beauty that fills me with a passion to share it with others, yet during those crucial moments, words seem to fail me. It’s a vicious cycle, but alas, this is the tribulation of the digital age in which we live.
There is, however, something sacred in holding onto something beautiful…a secret best kept to yourself.
Let me paint you a picture of an early summer evening, to the best of my own ability.
Imagine the sun sinking lower in the sky, giving way to the velvety dark of night. Colors subdued in the fading light as the street lamp clicks on offering a soft humming sound. The heat of the day has now ebbed to a comfortable warmth and outside the open windows, you watch the shadows of night slowly blanket the world around you. You pour yourself a glass of wine, soaking in the early evening lull. If only each day could end as such. Some nights are made for torture, or reflection, or the savoring of loneliness.
There is only one thing that could complete this scene, and that is a meal to match its emotions. If you could taste the warmth yet loneliness of spring, what would you serve?
On evenings such as this, I opt for something understated. A meal that is made with the ease of let’s say, a scrambled egg, yet boasts of the palate of a four-course meal. This brings us to today’s recipe- Sun-dried Tomato Falafel served over warmed flatbreads and a cool yogurt sauce.
Sitting out with a glass of wine as the day winds down, I picture something laidback. I want to pick something up with my hands and savor it. Sure burgers might fit this description, but lets up the ante and go for something a little more…bougie.
I’m simultaneously reinviting your summer board here, by serving these on a platter rather than individual plates. I’ve complemented the falafel flatbreads with dried figs, salted herring filets, sliced avocados, and seasoned olives. It’s not all about cheese and dried meat, my friends. Time to reinvent the conventional standard. (Check the recipe card notes for more ideas on assembling your dinner board.)
Pushing the envelope even further, I added my own Mediterranean twist to this Middle-Eastern classic. The distinct sweet/tartness of Sun-dried tomatoes adds a subtle depth of flavor to these chickpea medallions.
Sun-dried Tomato Falafel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 dozen falafel medallions 1x
Ingredients
- 1 recipe for Homemade Flatbread
- Salad Greens, for serving
- Olives, for topping
- Dried figs, optional
- 2 avocados, sliced
- Canned Herring filets, optional
For the Falafel:
- 1 lb. 15 oz. garbanzo beans, drained
- 3 – 4 pieces of sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 – 4 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup of parsley or cilantro, stems removed
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 2 tbs. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. curry
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
- 1 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Falafel:
- Combine all of the ingredients for the falafel in a food processor and process until smooth. Let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Heat a large frying pan with about ¼-inch oil.
- Using two teaspoons carefully place falafel mixture into the heated frying pan. Gently press down, then carefully turn over each falafel and continue to cook until both sides are golden.
For the yogurt sauce:
- Combine all ingredients for the sauce and whisk until smooth. Adjust the seasonings if needed.
Assembly:
- Place fresh salad greens on each flatbread (best to serve the flatbread warm). Top each with at least 2 falafel medallions and sliced avocado. Drizzle with yogurt sauce and seasoned olives if desired.
- Serve alongside dried fruit and/or fresh fruit if you desire. Arrange canned herring filets if desired on your board alongside lemon wedges.
- See notes for more ideas on how to customize your summer dinner board.
Notes
Feel free to get creative with your dinner board. Serve chilled grapes to refresh the palate. I also like sliced stone fruit and berries as an option. If you like you can add cheese to the board. Fresh feta or goat cheese would compliment the flavors of this dish best. Though I wanted to keep the board light and vegetarian-based for the most part, feel free to add a meat to the board if you like. I feel the most complimentary for this spread would be prosciutto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
The finishing touch to this dish is the creamy yogurt sauce. It’s a perfect compliment to this vegetarian meal and adds a refreshing, cool element to this dish.
Serve and enjoy. Take your time and savor every moment.
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angiesrecipes says
You have just described a perfect summer evening :-)) These falafels look mouthwatering!
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you Angie.
Deseree says
I will have to give this falafel recipe a try. I have always wanted to try it but never have. I am not convinced to go for it.
Catherine Pappas says
I hope you enjoy it if you decide to give it a try.
Arya says
I got lost in thought with the dreamy description of the lonely spring evening…so poetic! And you combined two of my favorite ingredients: sundried tomatoes and chickpeas! It’s too late to snack now haha You made me hungry!
Catherine Pappas says
It is never too late for a tasty snack! lol Thank you for visiting and for your kind words.
Michelle Cantu says
I absolutely love this recipe. Sounds delish and I love that you paired it as a salad.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you.
Dollie Solanki says
I love falafels and your images are simply mouth-watering. Shall try out your recipe soon.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you. I hope you enjoy it if you give it a try.
Kara says
These looks absolutely delicious – bet it tastes divine!!
Catherine Pappas says
It was a fun and tasty meal. Thank you for visiting.
kumamonjeng says
The moment I saw olive and avocado are in the list of ingredient. I am in! Love the step by step guide.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you.
Net U. says
Wow! I love falafel. I can’t wait to try your recipe.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you, I hope you enjoy it.
Myles says
As a vegetarian I fully support this! We love falafel and creating dishes around it.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you. I like falafel too.
Yeah Lifestyle says
These falafels sound absolutely incredible. A delicious summer meal, I’ll definitely give them a try.
Catherine Pappas says
Thank you. Yes, it is a good warm weather meal. I hope you enjoy it.
Heather says
I’ve been looking for some delicious meatless dishes to mix up things during the week, and keep costs down. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for, and love the twist of adding sun dried tomatoes to it as well for some great flavor!
krystal says
This is definitely a delicious dish! It looks gorgeous! I would love to try it.
Veena Azmanov says
A delicious platter with a delicious recipe too. Have to surely try this recipe. Looks interesting and yum.
Jasmine Hewitt says
i’ve never tried making falafel. but my so loves tomatoes so i’ll have to try this
Bella at Dear Mummy Blog says
We have never tried falafel before but it sounds like a wonderful dish for summer dinners
Hanna Smith says
I’m going to make these next week! My father LOVES falafel! Hopefully I don’t mess them up! haha
Jenni LeBaron says
I love a good falafel. They are such a filling staple and I love the way you’ve spiced these. The sun dried tomatoes must add a perfect level of umami to these!
Marysa says
We haven’t had falafel in ages. This sounds so good! Thanks for sharing your recipe. This would be good to make for when we have guests.
Jenni says
Falafel is one of my favorites! Love the sun dried tomato version – I will definitely be trying this soon!
Amanda Mason says
I love the ingredients in these falafel! Especially the fig, garbanzo beans, sun dried tomato, and dill in the yogurt! Looks and sounds so amazing! I’ve not made anything like this before so I’m now excited to try this recipe!
Kalyan Panja says
I would love to prepare this falafel recipe during the weekend. Loved reading your cooking experience.
Daisy says
I’ll leave out the avocado and try it myself… thanks for the idea!
Sharon says
I adore falafel! I really like this easy and delicious recipe and that you added sun-dried tomatoes as well.
Donna says
I LOVE homemade falafel, but this is something else! Loving the twist on the original with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes. And that homemade flat-bread??? Yes please!!
Kelly Anthony says
I love the idea of falafel served over lettuce…but also with a side of bread 😉 The perfect combination of healthy and happy! Thanks for the recipe!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Your description on a lonely spring evening is on point and beautifully written. I love falafels and like you, put a spin on them from time to time.
I can’t wait to try this recipe! It looks incredible!
Rebecca Blackwell says
I have never made falafel, but the story you tell here is so lovely, and the recipe looks so delicious, I think I’m going to give it a try. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe – and your thoughts.
Karyl Henry says
I love Falafel and make it regularly. But I never thought to add sundried tomatoes! And I always have a jar of them in my fridge. I’m going to have to give this combination a try