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Vegan broccoli falafel on a bowl with a drizzle of tahini sauce

Healthy Broccoli Falafel Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

  • Author: alicia gonzalez tome
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 falafel 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, snack
  • Cuisine: Australian
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These easy-to-make broccoli falafel are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and so tasty! Vegan & gluten-free. They only take 10 minutes to prepare, and are a great way to eat broccoli in a fun and creative way, that the whole family will enjoy!


Ingredients

Scale

1 medium broccoli head (300 grams) chopped (stem removed)

1/3 cup packed coriander or parsley

1 cup of canned chickpeas (drained)

1/4 red onion diced

2 garlic cloves crushed or finely diced

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

1 teaspoon of ground coriander

1/2 cup tapioca flour

2 tablespoons ground flax seeds


Instructions

  1. Start by combining the flax seeds with 3 tbsp of water in a small bowl, and let it soak for 10 minutes, until it forms a thick gel.

  2. Process the greens: Start by adding the broccoli and coriander to the food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds or so, until the broccoli is chopped. Don't over-blend it! You want to form broccoli rice, not a paste.

  3. Make the falafel mixture: add the remaining ingredients to the food processor. Combine with a spatula first, and then pulse until the chickpeas are coarsely chopped. Again, you don't want to over-blend it! If you feel like the mix is too wet, add a bit more tapioca flour. Let it rest in the fridge for 5 minutes before the next step.

  4. Form balls with the hands: Over an oven baking tray or air fryer tray, line parchment paper with a drizzle of olive oil. Wet your hands and form medium size balls. Lay all the balls on the tray, and spray or drizzle a bit more olive oil.

  5. Bake falafels: You can cook these falafels either in the oven or air fryer. 
    In the oven: bake at 220C/430F for 20 minutes. Flip them over halfway through. For a crispy touch, put on the grill for the last 5 minutes.
    In the air fryer: air fry at 200C/390F for 20-25 minutes. Flip them over halfway through. They should come out golden brown on the outside.


Notes

It's super important to not over-blend the ingredients in the food processor. Otherwise you will end up with a hummus-like texture, and it will be very hard to form the balls.

These broccoli falafel pair great with some green leaves and this easy tahini lemon sauce.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave, pan, air fryer, or oven.

Keywords: broccoli falafel, easy broccoli falafel, vegan broccoli falafel, gluten-free broccoli falafel, air fryer broccoli falafel