If you love falafel and tacos, you will love this recipe that combines both of these dishes into one mouthwatering meal. Falafel tacos are easy to make, vegan-friendly, and packed with flavor and nutrition. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a picnic, or a party. In this article, you will learn how to make falafel tacos from scratch, what ingredients you need, and some interesting facts and FAQs about this dish.
What are Falafel Tacos?
Falafel tacos are a fusion of two popular cuisines: Mediterranean and Mexican. Falafel is a deep-fried or baked ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices. It is a staple food in many Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a corn or wheat tortilla folded or wrapped around a filling, such as meat, cheese, beans, salsa, or vegetables. Falafel tacos are simply tacos filled with falafel and other toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, and sauces.
How to Make Falafel Tacos
To make falafel tacos, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 15-ounce can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Oil for frying or baking
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups of shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup of tahini
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Water to thin the sauce
- Salt to taste
To make the falafel, follow these steps:
- In a food processor, pulse the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper until well combined, but not too smooth. You want some texture in the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the flour and water. The mixture should be moist but not sticky. If it is too dry, add more water. If it is too wet, add more flour.
- Shape the mixture into 16 small balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use wet hands to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- To fry the falafel, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the falafel in batches, turning once, until golden and crisp, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- To bake the falafel, preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the falafel on the prepared baking sheet and spray or brush with some oil. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- To make the tahini sauce, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, and enough water to thin it to a pourable consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- To assemble the tacos, heat the tortillas in a microwave or a skillet until warm and soft. Top each tortilla with some lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, and 2 falafel. Drizzle with some tahini sauce and enjoy!
Why You Should Try Falafel Tacos
There are many reasons why you should try falafel tacos, such as:
- They are delicious and satisfying. The falafel are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a savory and nutty flavor. The tacos are loaded with fresh and colorful veggies, and the tahini sauce adds a creamy and tangy touch.
- They are vegan and gluten-free. If you use corn tortillas and gluten-free flour, these tacos are suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets. They are also dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free.
- They are healthy and nutritious. Falafel are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and folate. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds from the herbs and spices. The tacos are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from the veggies and avocado.
- They are easy and versatile. You can make the falafel ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. You can also customize the tacos with your favorite toppings and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, hummus, or vegan cheese.
Interesting Facts and FAQs about Falafel Tacos
Here are some interesting facts and FAQs about falafel tacos that you may not know:
- Falafel tacos are not a traditional dish, but a modern invention that combines two cuisines. The origin of falafel tacos is not clear, but some sources suggest that they were created by Middle Eastern immigrants in the US or Mexico, or by Mexican chefs who were inspired by falafel.
- Falafel tacos are not the only way to enjoy falafel. You can also eat falafel in a sandwich, wrap, salad, or bowl. You can also make different flavors of falafel, such as beet, sweet potato, or spinach falafel.
- Falafel tacos are not the only fusion tacos. You can also find tacos with other fillings, such as Korean barbecue, Indian curry, or Thai peanut sauce.
Conclusion
Falafel tacos are a delicious fusion of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines that you should try. They are easy to make, vegan-friendly, and packed with flavor and nutrition. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a picnic, or a party. You can also customize them with your favorite toppings and sauces. Try this recipe and let us know what you think!
