• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Allergies
  • Substitutions
  • Guides
  • About
  • Shop

Living Beyond Allergies logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Allergies
  • Substitutions
  • Guides
  • About
  • Shop
  • Follow Along!

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Allergies
    • Substitutions
    • Guides
    • About
    • Shop
  • Follow Along!

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
  • ×

    HOME » Snacks

    Dated: August 24, 2020 Last Modified: January 20, 2022 by Laura This post may contain affiliate links.

    Classic Falafel (Vegan + Gluten Free!)

    I love when you share my recipes!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This classic falafel is naturally vegan, gluten free, and allergy free! Made with chickpeas and fresh herbs and spices this falafel is packed with flavor and protein. Simple to make and freezer friendly! 

    There are as many falafel recipes and variations as there are stars in the sky. Okay, maybe not that many, but it does feel like it from time to time! This recipe is one that I made after altering my previous favorite recipe to be free from allergies, vegan, and gluten free. 

    If you’ve never had a falafel before, they are a delicious mix of chickpeas and herbs that can be fried or baked and come from Middle Eastern cooking. They are great in wraps, on top of salads, or eaten dipped in yogurt sauce or hummus! 

    Free From: wheat, gluten, dairy, casein, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, fish, shellfish, crustaceans, mollusks, celery, corn, sesame, mustard, lupin, sulfites, and more

    classic falafel that is gluten free and vegan on a plate with a bowl of yogurt dipping sauce on a white marble tale // livingbeyondallergies.com

    Falafel Ingredients

    Only a few simple ingredients go into making these falafel, so try to make sure you have the freshest possible.

    Chickpeas - You can use dry and soaked chickpeas or canned chickpeas in this recipe. I know, some people have strong opinions on this! But I’m a realist and I know I don’t always remember to soak my beans. If you use canned chickpeas, drain them, rinse them, and use a little extra flour to bring this together. 

    Onion - Red or sweet onions are delicious in this! 

    Garlic - Is there such a thing as too much garlic? Not in my kitchen. The recipe calls for 4 cloves, but to be real, I normally add like 6 or 7. 

    Parsley - This is what makes the falafel green! Parsley brings such freshness to this dish, you HAVE to use fresh only. Sorry, dried won’t cut it. If you like the taste of cilantro, try mixing half cilantro in here as well. 

    Lemon Juice - Helps to brighten this dish up!

    Cumin, Cardamom, Salt, Pepper - These spices are often used in Middle Eastern cooking and the cumin in particular is what gives the falafel their distinct flavor. 

    Gluten Free Flour - Use your favorite blend to help bind them together. 

    Baking Powder - A secret ingredient to help them rise. 

    Oil for Frying - No matter if you are frying in a pan or baking in the oven, you want to make sure that you have a neutral flavored oil to help them cook. 

    vegan gluten free falafel on a plate with yogurt dipping sauce on a white marble table with fresh parsley surrounding // livingbeyondallergies.com

    Variations 

    Mix up your greens! Try a combo of parsley and cilantro, spinach, arugula, or even kale! 

    Swap out the flours! In place of a gluten free flour blend, try using chickpea flour or oat flour.

    How to Make Falafel 

    1. Prep your ingredients. Drain and rinse your chickpeas. Pat them dry and set aside. Wash your parsley (and/or other greens you are using). Grab your food processor. 
    2. Add all ingredients to the food processor. Pulse the food together a few times (I typically do 10 pusles). The final mixture should be tacky not sticky and hold a shape. 
    3. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors combine together. 
    4. Shape your falafel! Using your hands, make tiny balls or patties. Make them consistent in size. If you want, you can also shape into burger sized patties and make a falafel burger! 
    • ingredients for falafel in food processor on a white marble table with a towel and wood spoon // livingbeyondallergies.com
    • falafel dough mixed in food processor on a white marble table // livingbeyondallergies.com
    • fried falafel stacked onto a white plate with parsley and lemon on a white marble table // livingbeyondallergies.com

    How to Cook - 3 Different Ways! 

    How to Deep Fry - The traditional method of making falafel. Heat your oil to about 350F. Drop them into the oil and let cook for about 2 minutes or until golden brown on the outside. Remove from the oil and let drain onto a plate with a paper towel. 

    How to Pan Fry- My favorite method of making! Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a flat bottom pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Gently place them into the pan and let cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until a golden brown color is achieved. Remove from the pan and let drain onto a plate lined with a paper towel. 

    How to Bake - Preheat your oven to 425F. Brush a baking sheet with oil and place them onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the falafel halfway through baking. You can bake these on parchment paper and avoid using any oil at all. Just note that they will be less crispy and not achieve the same golden brown color if baked on parchment paper with no oil. 

    Serving Ideas

    Falafel are best served right away while they are still warm and crispy. Serve them on top of a salad, in a wrap, with dipping sauce, or eaten plain! 

    To store falafel, pop them in an airtight container and keep them fresh in the fridge for 3 days. You can freeze falafel after cooking and they have cooled to room temperature. Pop them into a freezer bag or container and they will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To warm them after being frozen, place them in the microwave and cook for 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave and how large you made your falafel. 

    Want more easy recipes? Check out these for inspiration!

    Easy Pasta Salad (gluten free, vegan, top 14 free)

    Apple Cider Salad (gluten free, vegan, paleo, top 14 free) 

    Recipe

    classic falafel that is gluten free and vegan on a plate with a bowl of yogurt dipping sauce on a white marble tale // livingbeyondallergies.com

    Classsic Falafel (vegan + gluten free!)

    This classic falafel is naturally vegan, gluten free, and allergy free! Made with chickpeas and fresh herbs and spices this falafel is packed with flavor and protein. Simple to make and freezer friendly!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time: 45 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Course: Appetizer
    Keyword: allergy friendly, coconut free, dairy free, dinner, easy, egg free, gluten free, nightshade free, nut free, sesame free, soy free, tomato free, vegan, wheat free
    Yield: 20 falafel
    Author: Laura // Living Beyond Allergies

    Ingredients

    • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
    • ½ cup onion, roughly chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
    • 2 cups fresh greens (parsley, cilantro, arugula, spinach, kale, etc.)
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon cardamon
    • ½ cup gluten free flour
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 2 tablespoon lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to a food processor. Lightly pulse ingredients together until a tacky dough is formed. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl at least once. Transfer to a bowl, cover and let chill for 30 minutes.
    • Remove the dough from the fridge and shape into tablespoon sized falafel balls. Roll them between your hands and gently press for small patties. Set aside.
    • If deep frying falafel: Heat your oil to about 350F. Drop your falafel into the oil and let cook for about 2 minutes or until golden brown on the outside. Remove from the oil and let drain onto a plate with a paper towel.
    • If pan frying falafel: Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a flat bottom pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Gently place the falafel into the pan and let cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until a golden brown color is achieved. Remove from the pan and let drain onto a plate lined with a paper towel.
    • If baking falafel: Preheat your oven to 425F. Brush a baking sheet with oil and place the falafel onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the falafel halfway through baking. You can bake these on parchment paper and avoid using any oil at all. Just note that they will be less crispy and not achieve the same golden brown color if baked on parchment paper with no oil.
    • Serve right away while warm and crispy or store in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Notes

    Falafel Variations:
     
    Mix up your greens! Try a combo of parsley and cilantro, spinach, arugula, or even kale! 
     
    Swap out the flours! In place of a gluten free flour blend, try using chickpea flour or oat flour.
     
    LivingBeyondAllergies.com

    The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

    Love this recipe?Mention @livingbeyondallergies or tag #livingbeyondallergies!

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please let me know how this turned out for you! Pop over to the Facebook Page to share your success or tag me over on Instagram with the hashtag #livingbeyondallergies I love to see your creations!

    More snacks category

    • cinnamon rolls in a white baking tray covered with icing. a hint of a towel and cinnamon sticks can be seen on the table as well.
      Cinnamon Rolls without Yeast
    • 0close up of a pile of snack brands with a text box that reads "best allergy friendly snacks"
      Allergy Friendly Snack Brands
    • up close of nut free trail mix so you can see all the ingredients
      Easy Nut Free Trail Mix
    • gluten free zucchini muffins in a tray with orange and zucchini slices
      Homemade Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins

    I love when you share my recipes!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Connect with me!

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr

    Never miss a recipe! Delivered weekly right to your inbox.

    Thanks!

    Laura, a white woman with red hair, is standing in front of a gray mural with floral details. She is wearing a black top, long Burgundy skirt, and black leather jacket.

    Hi, I’m Laura! Welcome to Living Beyond Allergies, a mix of healthy + indulgent allergy free recipes, plus a sprinkle of health resources. All eaters welcome! To learn more about me, click here!

    Spring Baking

    • a gluten free angel food cake rests on a glass cake stand and is topped with whip cream and berries. a serving spoon is lifting a slice of cake away from the cake.
      Gluten Free Angel Food Cake
    • three carrot cake cupcakes without nuts in a row with swirls of frosting and crushed pumpkin seeds
      Easy Carrot Cake Cupcakes without Nuts
    • a gluten free lemon poppyseed cake tin a bundt shape is resting on a white plate on the kitchen countertop surrounded by a linen towel and lemons
      Gluten Free Lemon Poppyseed Cake
    • single gluten free soft sugar cookie on a dark background surrounded by sprinkles with a bite taken out of the cookie
      Gluten Free Soft Sugar Cookies - Lofthouse Copy

    Most Popular Recipes

    • gluten free nut free granola in a glass bowl on parchment paper
      Easy Gluten Free and Nut Free Granola
    • close up of a pizza covered in tomato free pizza sauce and large pepperoni on a white parchment paper with herbs surrounding it
      Tomato Free Pizza Sauce
    • bowl of brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal
      Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal
    • close view of tomato free bbq sauce in a jar with a. spoon dipping in the sauce
      Tomato Free BBQ Sauce
    Subscribe for Recipes and More!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Living Beyond Allergies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Nutrition & Allergen Policy

    Recipes by Diet

    • Gluten Free
    • Vegan
    • Dairy Free
    • Egg Free
    • Nut Free
    • Top 9 Free

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    Affiliate links to products I love are sometimes used in articles. I will earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

    Copyright © 2023 Living Beyond Allergies