Healthy Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites! These Vegan Falafel bites are super easy to make with just a can of chickpeas, spices, veggies, jalapeño, and gluten free flour. No eggs needed. Great for a quick finger food meal or a wholesome appetizer!
I’m a little sad that bowls recipe week is over. But then again, that just means I can move onto the next best thing. BITES! Right? Haha, actually I do have another bite recipe (in the form of Healthy bites) this week so it’s looking like bite week is semi-happening. None the less, Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites are where it’s at on this Meatless Monday! Gluten free, grain free, and oh …. sneaky sneaky extra veggies hidden inside. CAN YOU HANDLE THAT? Yes, yes you can!
When the Kiwi and I were first married, jetting around to race to race, one of our favorite places to go was San Diego! They had this awesome little vegetarian cafe in Encinitas called Roxy’s. BEST FALAFELS and HUMMUS EVER! We often joke that we will travel back just for the falafels alone. Haha, I feel like I say that a lot with food and traveling. But it’s totally legit, right?
Well fast forward 8 years and now I am on a mission to recreate that falafel platter, but gluten free and vegan falafel style! Why? Because for one, I love a good food allergy recipe challenge. And two, gluten free falafels are pretty readily available now (yay)! But not for those who limit egg intake or are vegan/gluten free. It can be difficult to find store bought or a good QUALITY recipe. Being that this is my full time job (to recipe test test test all the things), I am happy to accommodate to certain food allergies or preferences for my fellow foodies, friends, families, readers, and MYSELF. Duh!
I almost must confess, I totally made these Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites for the nerdy nutrition facts too. You missed those, didn’t you?
Let’s examine what makes these gluten free Mexican Vegan Falafel bites EASY, DELICIOUS, and OH SO SNEAKY HEALTHY!
Hint –> there is a mix of extra veggies in the batter.
First: Chickpeas are LOADED with plant based Iron. YEA! Which is definitely needed on a vegan/vegetarian diet. An another reason I LOVE using chickpeas in vegan protein bars. Digestion TIPS –> soak the chickpeas overnight in water to reduce the raffinose (sugar that is hard to digest) and the phytic acid. Will HELP ease digestion A TON!
Second: In order to pump up the Iron absorption and fiber, I mixed in a broccoli/cauliflower “rice.” Broccoli is high in iron and high in vitamin C. This combination results in generous levels of iron absorption. It’s like a little micronutrient tango! Not to mention helps prevent anemia, boost energy, and your immune system.
(note –> this is what the batter will look like before rolling).
And third: The herbs and spices in these vegan falafels are packed with anti-inflammatory properties. YEA Buddy! Cumin (in particular) is said to have an higher antioxidant level than that of Vitamin C. Crazy good! (source). Plus one study showed it boosted immune system during times of stress. Like say… when you’re stressed about DINNER! Haha, I”m kidding. kinda.
BONUS TIP –> serve these Spicy vegan falafels with a roasted red pepper dip, tomato salsa, or a creamy green veggie dressing to get even more VITAMIN C. Gotta love that Iron absorption support. HECK YA!
So you see, I kinda like making food as FUEL in all sorts of ways. These gluten free and Mexican inspired vegan falafel bites are just my way of sayin you don’t have to skimp on flavor, or texture, OR HEALTH if you have food intolerances. Capeesh? Oh and even if you are healthy as a horse with NO allergies or food intolerances, these vegan falafels are still LEGIT. Hands down! Or Hands up and wave them in the air like you just don’t care. Ohh.. did I just say that? Corniness. Dang!
Plant based, protein and fiber packed, SPIC
Okay, let’s get the BALL.. I mean Bite rolling. These vegan falafels are SUPER easy to make. And you can make the batter ahead of time. You can also freeze them for later use. Freezer friendly, just like my vegan burgers. Yup! LOVE that meal prep.
Yields 18 falafel bites
Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites {Gluten Free}Healthy Mexican Vegan Falafel Bites! These Vegan Falafel bites are super easy to make with just a can of chickpeas, spices, veggies, jalapeño, and gluten free flour. No eggs needed.
20 minPrep Time
15 minCook Time
35 minTotal Time
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1 1/2 cup uncooked chickpeas (canned works, drained) 1 shallot or 1/4 cup onion 2 cups whole Cauliflower/Broccoli combo (feel free to just use one or the other) 1 jalapeno (de- seed if you don't want spicy) 1 garlic clove (minced) 1/4 cup packed cilantro 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp paprika 2 tbsp coconut flour or gluten free flour of choice sea salt/black pepper to taste 2-4 tbsp oil (avocado works great for frying) Additional salsa/dips/hummus to serve with (optional) Instructions
First drain your chickpeas and rinse. Set aside.
Next grind your broccoli/cauliflower so that it is "riced." See picture above. Makes about 1 cup riced after placed in food processor.
Place all ingredients in food processor and pulse about 5x everything is mixed but not pureed. Do not over pulse. You want it thick and chunky.
Next empty mix into a bowl and form into golf size balls (bites).
Place these vegan falafel balls/bites on a cookie sheet then in fridge for 1 hr or freezer for 10 minutes to set.
Once set, remove from fridge.
Heat a large skillet or frying pan with a few tbsps of oil.
Place half the vegan falafel bites in the pan and fry on medium high, turning gently, for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown.
Add more oil and repeat for the second batch.
Place all on paper towel and blot off extra oil if desired.
Season with more salt/pepper if desired.
Serve right away or freeze for later.
Great with a salsa, hummus, red pepper dip, etc. Pair with a Mexican corn salad or side of choice.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern and Mexican fusion | Recipe Type: main/appetizerNotes
These work great at appetizers or as a finger food meal. Make ahead and freeze for later!
You can make the balls ahead of times and place in fridge for up to 24 hrs before cooking.
6.6.8http://www.cottercrunch.com/mexican-vegan-falafel-bites/ Per Falafel Bite
Kitchen Tools to Help You Make these TASTY Vegan Falafel Bites!
P.S You must serve with some sort of roasted corn and Avocado salad! It’s SOOOO GOOD!
Are you feeling like we should have a meatless Monday Mediterranean fiesta now? I kinda think so.
Olé! I mean OPA!
No but really… let’s boycott Monday and have a PARTY!
Falafels, do you dig them? What’s not to love!?
Spice up a plant based meal with these #Glutenfree Mexican #Vegan Falafel Bites!
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Cheers friends!
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