Falafel Salad with Tahini Dressing (Gluten-Free)

 

Are you in quest of a scrumptious, healthy, and most importantly gluten-free cuisine option for all tastes? Then you need the Falafel Salad with Tahini Dressing. This is a dish that consists of deep-fried balls of falafel together with fresh vegetables and drizzled with creamy tahini dressing, making it a wholesome filling for the meal that is ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a light fringe meal. This is perfect for individuals on a gluten-free diet and those suffering from celiac disease, as it is devoid of gluten but still very tasty. 

Falafel, which is an Eastern Mediterranean dish, is usually made of chickpeas, which, as a result, makes the dish gluten-free by default. But gluten has found its way into falafels that are bought ready-made from stores. Cooking them at home, on the other hand, provides a gluten-free, tasty, and healthy alternative for gluten avoiders. This salad served with a thick and rich tahini sauce is always a hit and is delicious and quick to prepare. 

So, without further ado, let us jump straight to the recipe!

  Ingredients: 

 For the Falafel:

·         1 ½ cups dried chickpeas (soak overnight, although for convenience canned chickpeas may be used)

·         1 small onion, chopped

·         3 garlic cloves, minced

·         ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

·         ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

·         1 tsp. ground cumin

·         1 tsp. ground cilantro

·         ½ tsp baking powder (gluten-free)

·         ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

·         Salt and black pepper to taste

·         3 tbsp gluten-free flour (for instance, chickpea flour)

·         Olive oil for frying (or healthier option, bake the falafel) 

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For the Salad:

Four cups of a salad green combination such as lettuce and spinach or arugula.

·         A cucumber that is also cut into slices.

·         A large tomato purposely cut into sizable pieces.

·         A red onion which has been sliced into thin rings.

·         Half a cup of either black or green olives that has no pit.

·         Crumble feta cheese, which is entirely optional, at half a cup.

·         Finally, half a cup of fresh mint leaves. 

 For the Tahini Dressing:

·         Half a cup of hmmm aithani soue carried from sesame seeds.

·         Two tablespoons of freshly pressed lemon.

·         Two cloves of garlic crushed into... a paste? No, minced would be more accurate.

·         Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to the correct consistency. (This is for making the dip thinner).

·         One tablespoon of oil from the olive tree.

·         Add some crystals of sodium as per your need.

·         Half a teaspoon of cumin seed powder. 

 Preparation: 

 Step 1: Prepare the Falafel Mixture

1. In case you are using dried chickpea grains, soak them in plenty of water for at least overnight. Drain them the next day.
2. Place the chickpeas, onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne, and gluten-free flour in a food processor and pulse away. Do not puree; you want to work with a coarse paste that still contains some chunks.
3. Stir in the baking powder, salt, and pepper. And bake your mixture and wait for one more time to fasten your mixed ingredients.
4. Place the mixture in a bowl, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will be beneficial in solidifying the mixture, making it easy to roll into balls. 

 Step 2: Cook the Falafel

1. When the mixture has firmed up and has become quite cold, take small spoonful of it and roll into balls or flatten it into small disks or patties measuring about 1.5 inches wide.
2. In a deep-frying pan, add olive oil and heat it over medium heat. When the olive oil is heated, deep fry the formed small balls of flour for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.

On the other hand: If you want a healthier alternative, you can bake the falafel. Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Celsius, line a baking sheet, and place the falafel balls on it. Gently apply some olive oil on top of them and bake them for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway, until they get brown and crunchy.

3. Cooked pieces should be placed on a paper towel-lined plate for excess oil to soak up.

 

  Step 3: The salad needs to be prepared.

1. In a salad bowl, add the combination dressed with greens and vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and, in case you like, crumbled feta cheese.
2. Also add some fresh mint leaves for enhanced taste. 

 Step 4: Tahini Dressing Preparation

1. Take a small bowl and add 2 tbsp tahini paste, lemon juiced out of half a lemon, chopped garlic 1/2 tsp, 1 tbsp olive oil, cumin ½ tsp, and salt to taste.
2. Continuously pour in water and then mix until the desired thickness of dressing is achieved.
3. Sample and correct the flavoring if need be. 

 Step 5: Salad Creating

1. For the presentation, arrange some salad on a plate, put a few falafel balls on top, and ‘draw’ plenty of tahini dressing over.
2. If you wish, your audience may also enjoy a few mint leaves or a bit of sesame on top. 

  What’s the spooning size, quantities, and more?

Set No. of Serve: This particular preparation will serve about 4 individuals liberally.
Falafel balls: Approximately this gives you 12-14 falafel balls.

Serving Suggestions: This particular savory dressed fried balls of chickpea salad can be served on its own or with additional cabbage quinoa or gluten-free rotis. 

 Nutritional Values: 

·         Calories: 450-500 calories for a serving (containing 3 or 4 falafel balls and dressing)

·         Protein: 15 g

·         Carbohydrates: 35 g

·         Fats: 28 g

·         Fiber: 12 g 

 Reasons Why Everyone Else Adores This Recipe:

1. No gluten, please! Yes: This dish contains no gluten whatsoever, thus suiting even those who suffer from celiac disease, gluten allergies, and even those who cannot take gluten for health purposes. 

2. Foodie's Delight: Who wouldn’t relish a voluptuous bowl comprised of crunchy spiced & fried falafels, fresh colorful veggies, and rich tahini sauce? They satiate different taste buds in one dish; that’s why this one is a winner. 

3. Custom-Driven: This salad can be prepared and served for either a heavy lunch or dinner and is with no doubt adaptable. More vegetables, grains, or even changing the dressing can be done according to one’s taste. 

4. Has It All, Yes It Is This A Healthy And Nutritious Meal: This falafel salad is full of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fat content, making it a healthy meal option. It is quite satiating without being too cloying; therefore, it is ideal for health-conscious individuals. 

5. Some Medley Effect: Whether you are serving it to your family, friends, or yourself, falafel salad is enjoyable for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. A wide range of textures and flavors guarantees that there will be something for everybody. 

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In Conclusion: 

Anyone in search of a healthy gluten-free meal with lots of flavor can opt for this salad with tahini and falafel. It is ideal for people in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe or any other part of the world. This is because almost every country in the world has a food called falafel, which is grossly loved. Even better, I can prepare it at home, where both taste and nutrition will not involve looking for impossible ingredients. 

Try this recipe, and you will understand why this dish is loved by anyone who avoids gluten.