1-2 HoursAmericanDairy-FreeDinnerEgg-FreeGluten FreeOven CasserolePlant Based Whole 30SideVeganVegetarian
July 1st, 2024
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 1 hourhour
Our tasty falafels follow the traditional ingredient list with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices like garam marsala and parsley. With a touch of lemon and hint of apple, they're crispy on the outside but of-so-tender on the inside. Plus, they're plant-based and Whole 30, which means they meet all the health criteria you could imagine.
I would travel across the globe for some scrumptious falafel. One of my favorite salad toppers, rice bowl ingredients, and main ingredients in a wrap, I decided it was time to create my own falafel recipe and I am so glad I did. I think you will be, too, after you walk through preparing it with me and enjoy it for yourself. Today, that’s exactly what we are doing: preparing our Falafel Plant-Based Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe.
Our tasty falafels follow the traditional ingredient list with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices like garam marsala and parsley. With a touch of lemon and hint of apple, they’re crispy on the outside but oh-so-tender on the inside – the ideal texture for falafel. Plus, they’re plant-based and Whole 30, which means they meet all the health criteria you could imagine.
My favorite part about them isn’t that I don’t have to travel across the world to enjoy them, it’s actually the convenience of preparing them. I double the recipe to prepare two separate batches, toss the uncooked falafel balls into a freezer bag, and when the craving hits I pop them into the oven and an hour later I am enjoying one of my all-time favorite foods right in the comfort of my own home. There is no slaving away in the kitchen, no stress, no time lost, and hardly any effort. Our recipe is truly the ideal falafel recipe! Come along as we prepare it today – I think you’re going to love it.
Why You’ll Love This Plant-Based Falafel Recipe!
Guilt-Free: Healthy, satisfying meal without compromising flavor.
Nutritious: Loaded with plant-based protein and nutrients, which means it’s a healthy option for the entire family.
Versatile: You can serve it in various ways – as the main dish, in a wrap, or even atop a salad.
Portable: Makes for a great lunch option or an on-the-go meal.
Falafel, Plant-Based Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe
Our tasty falafels follow the traditional ingredient list with chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices like garam marsala and parsley. With a touch of lemon and hint of apple, they're crispy on the outside but of-so-tender on the inside. Plus, they're plant-based and Whole 30, which means they meet all the health criteria you could imagine.
Lentils: Substitute the 2 cans of chickpeas with 2 cups of cooked brown or green lentils. Lentils offer a similar texture and protein content to chickpeas.
Coconut Flour: Swap the ½ cup of almond flour with ⅓ cup of coconut flour if you have a nut allergy or simply want to vary the texture and flavor of the falafel. (You use less of the coconut flour because it is more absorbent).
Additions:
Spinach: Incorporate one cup of finely chopped frozen spinach to the mixture to boost the nutritional value and add a vibrant color.
Shredded Carrots and/or Zucchini: Add ½ cup of either shredded carrots or zucchini (or ¼ cup of each) to the falafel mixture to add new textures and flavor to the falafel.
How To Reheat & Store Falafel Plant-Based Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe
Best Way To Store Leftover Falafel Freezer Meal?
Any leftover falafel will stay fresh if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to allow your leftover Falafels to cool to room temperature before storing in any device.
How Long Will Healthy Falafel Plant-Based Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe Last In the Fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, leftover falafel will stay fresh for three to five days.
Can I freeze Healthy Easy Falafel Recipe?
We freeze raw and cook from frozen to yield the yummiest flavors and best texture. While you’re able to freeze leftovers after cooking them, their texture and flavor will not be as delicious once thawed and warmed a second time. We recommend consuming any leftovers in the three to five day time frame listed above.
To prepare this recipe raw, add all ingredients, except the day of cooking ingredients, into a food processor. Pulse until combined. Then using a spoon or cookie scoop, form 1-2 inch balls and place in a single layer in a casserole dish. Cover with aluminum and freeze for up to three months.
How To Reheat Vegan Falafel Freezer Meal?
Our falafel is able to be reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If you’d like to get it crispy, we recommend using a small amount of olive or avocado oil in a pan on the stovetop.
Easy Vegan Falafel Meal Prep FAQs
Is falafel Whole 30-compliant?
While legumes are prohibited on the traditional Whole 30 diet, they are permitted on Whole 30’s Plant-Based diet. If you’d prefer to not consume legumes, cauliflower is a great alternative to chickpeas in a falafel recipe.
Is falafel healthy?
Falafel is a plant-based food that is packed with fiber, protein, and many vitamins and minerals. It has many health benefits, but it is key to prepare it well. Our recipe is baked to maximize health benefits (think: no added oils), but falafel can also be pan-fried or deep-fried. Choose the cooking method that is best for and most desired by you, keeping in mind the varying health benefits each method brings.
Is it better to use canned chickpeas for falafel or dried chickpeas that you prepare yourself?
Traditionally, dry chickpeas that have been soaked in water for 24 hours will give you the best texture and flavor for falafel. Our recipe uses canned chickpeas but is baked, not fried, so the falafel will not fall apart like it may if it is fried.
What is a good substitute for chickpeas?
Cannellini beans, lima beans, great northern beans, and navy beans – basically any white bean – will work well as a substitute for chickpeas.
Why does my homemade falafel fall apart?
If your homemade falafel mixture is too wet, the falafel will have a tendency to fall apart when it is fried or cooked. A good preventative measure is to pat the ingredients dry before using them, but if the mixture is too wet in spite of this, just add a little more bread crumbs.
Why should I add baking powder to my falafel?
Adding baking powder to your falafel helps to make it tender and fluffy. While it is still delicious if you choose not to incorporate baking powder, it does up the texture quite a bit if you add it in.
Can I add other vegetables to my falafel mixture?
If you’d like to increase the nutrition by adding vegetables, incorporate finely grated carrots or zucchini into this recipe.
If I want to fry my falafel, what oil is best?
Olive or avocado oil are excellent choices for frying falafel because they have a neutral flavor and are Whole 30-compliant.
What sauces are Whole 30 and great on falafel?
Tahini is a Whole 30 sauce that is typically available in your local supermarket, but a homemade avocado cream sauce, a lemon-garlic dressing, or even a cashew-based garlic sauce would be delicious drizzled over your falafel.
What seasoning should I use to make my falafel spicy?
If you like a kick in your falafel, try adding paprika or chili powder to the mixture. Alternatively, you could drizzle sriracha or hot sauce over it just before serving.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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