Falafel is more than a favorite snack; it’s an adventure in flavor. These chickpea patties offer both crunch and subtle spiciness, a delight for many.
They’re a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, and knowing what to eat with falafel can elevate this experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking newbie, understanding the right pairings brings out the best in your falafel dish.
Explore the mix of traditional and modern accompaniments that lend themselves perfectly to these bites.
Think creamy hummus, fresh tabbouleh, or a refreshing mint tea. Each adds its own twist, complementing falafel’s earthy taste.
In this guide, learn to craft the perfect falafel plate, balancing flavors and textures while sticking to diverse dietary preferences.
From gluten-free wraps to vegan options, this journey reveals how to make each mealtime exciting and truly rewarding. Discover the art of pairing and enhance your culinary skills with these ideas.
Classic Accompaniments for Falafel
Traditional Sauces
Hummus:
Creamy, rich, and a timeless friend to falafel. Made from chickpeas, tahini, and a zesty mix of lemon and garlic. It’s a staple dip that fuels the Middle Eastern cuisine experience. Falafel and hummus together are a safe duo, always ready to please the palate.
Tahini Sauce:
Smooth, nutty, and slightly bitter. This sesame seed wonder sauce balances the hearty flavor of falafel. Often seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and garlic. It’s a must-have on any falafel plate, adding layers of aroma and depth.
Garlic Sauce (Toum):
Boldly creamy with a vampire-repelling punch of garlic. This Lebanese delight is for garlic lovers. It pairs with falafel to create a dance of strong flavors. Prepare for a fiery experience that enhances the crispy nature of falafel.
Common Bread Options
Pita Bread:
Soft and round, perfect for folding around falafel. Acts as a vessel for your fillings, holding together hummus, tahini, and salad. Double the excitement by warming it slightly before serving. With pita, falafel feels complete, ready to be handheld and savored.
Flatbread:
Thin yet sturdy. Its neutral taste lets falafel take center stage. Easy to use and fold, it’s a practical base for a quick meal. Try spreading some hummus over it before wrapping up the falafel to create an additional layer of flavor.
Classic Salads
Tabbouleh:
An herb lover’s dream. Fresh parsley mixed with mint, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat, all drenched in lemon juice. It’s a refreshing companion to falafel, cutting through the richness with citrusy notes. Perfect for summer days or any day falafel graces the plate.
Fattoush:
A colorful mix full of freshness. The crunch comes from toasted or fried pieces of bread. This salad bursts with flavor from sumac and vinegar dressing. Combines beautifully with falafel, offering a lively texture contrast that keeps each bite exciting.
Cucumber Salad:
Cool, crisp, and refreshing. Diced cucumbers with tomatoes, onions, and sometimes vinegar. Provides a light and hydrating counterbalance to the density of falafel. A simple classic that never goes out of style.
Innovative Twists on Traditional Pairings
Modern Sauces and Condiments
Harissa:
Add some spice with harissa. It’s a chili paste that offers a fiery kick, perfect for those who like to feel the heat on their plate. This sauce layers complexity atop the simple falafel, making each bite an adventure.
Spicy Sriracha-mayo:
Mix sriracha and mayo for a punchy dip. This creamy concoction adds a tangy, spicy flair, enhancing falafel’s earthy taste. It’s fusion at its finest, blending smoothly into Middle Eastern cuisine.
Creative Bread Substitutes
Lettuce Wraps:
Light, crisp, and refreshing. Swap the traditional bread for lettuce wraps, a low-carb solution that adds a crunch. Ideal for maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle while keeping things fresh and exciting.
Whole Grain Wraps:
Integrate whole grains into your meal. Whole grain wraps provide fiber and a nutty taste, giving that extra bit of nutrition. This choice pairs well with hummus or tahini, offering a wholesome base for falafel.
Fusion Salads
Quinoa Tabbouleh:
Add quinoa to tabbouleh. A protein-packed, gluten-free twist on a classic salad. This addition brings more texture and nutrients, letting the refreshing mint and parsley shine next to falafel.
Spinach with Citrus Dressing:
Try a spinach salad with a bright citrus dressing. The tangy bites of lemon lift the spinach, contrasting beautifully with the savory falafel. Simple, yet a breeze of freshness on your plate.
Complementary Sides for Falafel
Vegetable-based Sides
Roasted Vegetables:
Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Roast them till they caramelize. The natural sweetness perfectly contrasts the savory falafel. Try adding olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple seasoning. Feel free to experiment with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Grilled Eggplant:
Soft yet firm, with a slightly smoky flavor. Slice the eggplant, coat it with olive oil, and grill it till tender. It’s a great match for falafel, offering a hearty and satisfying taste. Pair it with tahini sauce for an extra nutty kick.
Legume and Grain-based Sides
Couscous:
Quick to cook and easy to flavor. Couscous pairs well with falafel, absorbing the juices and sauces beautifully. Serve it warm or cold, mixed with herbs and spices. It’s a versatile side that complements the richness of falafel without overpowering it.
Lentil Soup:
Hearty and warm, just like a hug in a bowl. Rich in protein and fiber, it adds depth to a falafel meal. Spices like cumin and paprika enhance the earthy notes. Use a variety of lentils for a rich texture and taste.
Pickled and Fermented Additions
Pickled Turnips:
Bright, tangy, and a vibrant pink. The sharpness cuts through falafel’s richness, adding an exciting zing. A common sight in Middle Eastern cuisine, turning simple ingredients into an adventure. Great for those who appreciate a bold punch.
Sauerkraut:
Unexpected but delicious. Its tangy taste and crunchy texture add a surprise twist to falafel. Made from fermented cabbage, it’s a healthful choice loaded with probiotics. A side that keeps the digestive system happy.
Aligning with Dietary Preferences
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Creating a meal that doesn’t scream bland? It’s totally possible. Plant-based sauces take the lead. Think of hummus infused with roasted red peppers or a tangy lemon-garlic tahini drizzle. They’re perfect for adding texture and zing without any dairy.
Dairy-free accompaniments are everywhere if you blink your eyes wider. Rice pilaf seasoned with herbs or a fresh tabbouleh bursting with tomatoes and cucumbers. How about experimenting with lentil soup on the side? It’s hearty, nutritious, and fits the bill for a vegan delight.
Gluten-free Pairings
Going gluten-free doesn’t mean losing out on taste. Gluten-free breads or wraps can be surprisingly good.
Corn tortillas or soft rice paper are solid choices when falafel wants to be hugged by something different. Wrap it all up with crunchy lettuce or cabbage leaves for extra crunch.
Mix things up with grain-free salads like cucumber noodles with a touch of mint, or a warm bowl of quinoa, technically a seed, not a grain, playing it sneaky-gluten-free. Kale and avocado salad also pairs well, adding that healthy touch we all secretly crave.
Beverage Pairings with Falafel
Traditional Drinks
Mint Tea:
Mint tea stands tall among the classics. Hot or iced, it brings a cooling breeze to spicy falafel. Brew it fresh with real mint leaves for that authentic touch. Add some sugar if you’re in the mood for a sweeter finish. It refreshes and cleanses the palate, preparing it for each flavorful bite.
Ayran (Yogurt Drink):
Thirsty for something rich? Ayran, a yogurt-based drink, is thick and tangy. It pairs well with the crispy texture of falafel, offering a creamy contrast. Sprinkle some mint or a dash of cumin for an extra layer of taste. A chilled glass after a bite of falafel is simply satisfying.
Modern Beverage Ideas
Lemon-infused Water:
Craving simplicity? Lemon-infused water does well. Just a few lemon slices turn plain water into something lively, with zesty notes that spark the senses.
It’s a crisp, light alternative to heavier drinks, keeping the focus on the falafel without overpowering it.
Sparkling Water with a Hint of Lime:
For a bit of fizz, sparkling water with a hit of lime can’t be beaten. The bubbles add that extra charm, while lime gives it a tangy twist. It’s refreshing, breaking through the savory elements softly and subtly. Keep the day light and airy with this fizzy choice.
Crafting the Perfect Falafel Plate
Balancing Flavors and Textures
Start with falafel, golden and crispy. They’re the core of the meal. So essential, they set the tone. Match them with creamy hummus.
Its smoothness complements the crunchy coating, giving each bite dimension. Add a drizzle of tangy tahini sauce, flowing but never overwhelming.
Include fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber. They pop with juiciness, providing a refreshing bite between the rich falafel.
Pickled turnips add tang, cutting through the flavors with a sharp contrast.
Focus on the fun mix of crispy, creamy, and tangy. Each element plays its part, essential, new, exciting.
Presentation Tips
Visual appeal matters. Layer your falafel artistically on the plate. Place a dollop of hummus artfully, not just a plop. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color, or a dusting of paprika for a red hue. These tiny touches catch the eye.
Pita bread arranged in triangles fits comfortably around the plate. It frames the dish, inviting. Serve it warm, that warmth adding to the overall feel.
Set it all up like a painter working on a canvas. Each item has its place, each color, each flavor, creating balance. Simple, yet compelling.
FAQ on What To Eat With Falafel
What is falafel commonly served with?
Falafel often meets its match with hummus. This creamy spread balances falafel’s crispy texture. Pita bread is another sidekick, offering a soft wrap for easy eating. Fresh salads like tabbouleh or cucumber salad refresh the palate. Pickled vegetables add a tangy punch, perfect for that extra kick.
Are there any vegan options to serve with falafel?
Certainly. Vegan ideas abound. Pair falafel with tahini sauce, free from animal products. Roasted vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini work well, adding depth. Quinoa salad bursts with flavor and nutrients, completing a hearty vegan meal. Fresh fruits, like citrus wedges, bring brightness.
Can I have falafel as a part of a gluten-free meal?
Absolutely. Lettuce wraps make falafel gluten-free without missing a beat. Quinoa tabbouleh provides a grain-like texture, but it’s gluten-free. Spiralized vegetables, such as zucchini noodles, add a playful twist. A variety of fresh vegetables envelop falafel, maintaining a satisfying crunch.
What drinks pair well with falafel?
Mint tea, whether iced or hot, pairs beautifully. Its cooling effect complements the spiced falafel. Ayran, a yogurt-based drink, offers a creamy contrast. Lemon-infused water brings zest, balancing rich flavors. Simple, yet effective, these drinks elevate the falafel experience effortlessly.
How can I incorporate more vegetables when serving falafel?
Try adding grilled eggplant or zucchini for a savory, nutrient-rich side. Fattoush salad, with its crispy bread and fresh greens, supports your veggie cravings. Carrot slaw provides crunch and color, making the plate more appealing. Add seasonal veggies to keep it exciting.
Are there traditional sauces to serve with falafel?
Yes, there are. Hummus and tahini sauce hold classic status. They’ve been accompanying falafel for ages. Garlic sauce or toum brings a bold flavor that’s hard to resist. Harissa, with its spicy kick, is an exciting option, bringing warmth to each bite.
What kind of bread is best with falafel?
Pita bread is a classic winner, providing the perfect pocket for falafel and fillings. Flatbread offers a sturdy, chewy base. For a healthier spin, opt for whole-grain wraps. They’re fiber-rich, supporting a balanced meal. Use them to wrap falafel, making it handheld and portable.
How do I make a balanced plate with falafel?
Combine falafel with a cream like hummus for texture contrast. Fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, add moisture. Whole grains or legume salads round out the meal with nutrients. Balance is the goal, mixing flavors and textures seamlessly, for a satisfying and nourishing plate.
Can falafel be a part of a light lunch?
Certainly. Falafel wraps with minimal sauce and plenty of greens make a light lunch. Pair with a side of cucumber salad, bringing freshness to the meal. Opt for lemon water as a drink, keeping the meal light and refreshing. Quick and easy, yet fulfilling and delightful.
Are there creative twists to pair with falafel?
Quinoa tabbouleh offers a protein-rich twist. Spicy sriracha-mayo sauce gives falafel a fusion flair. Lettuce cups create a low-carb option, especially when filled with additional pickled veggies. Experiment with flavors by adding zesty condiments, making each falafel meal truly unique.
Conclusion
Understanding what to eat with falafel opens a world of flavors. You’ve explored mixes of tastes and textures, each a piece of Middle Eastern cuisine.
From bold cucumber salad to creamy baba ganoush, each choice enhances the crispy falafel. Add a lively side of pickled vegetables for zing.
By now, you’ve tasted the balance in fresh salads, smooth hummus, and the chewy embrace of pita bread.
Think of gluten-free options with lettuce wraps or let for a vegan delight with roasted vegetables. Pair these with refreshing beverages like mint tea or the savory sip of ayran.
In this exploration of culinary combinations, options for falafel pairings stand out as more than just food.
It’s about making choices that enhance every bite. Explore with an open mind, mix those flavors and textures to create meals as exciting and varied as today’s culinary scene allows. Enjoy finding your perfect plate.
