A vibrant Middle Eastern platter featuring crispy falafel, creamy hummus with olive oil, zesty tabbouleh salad, and soft, warm pita—perfectly balanced in flavor, color, and texture. This dish is a feast for the senses and makes a nourishing and wholesome meal suitable for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Falafel Mezze Bowl combines an array of fresh, bold flavors and textures in one beautiful presentation. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or simply looking for a plant-based option, this dish offers protein-packed falafel, refreshing tabbouleh, silky hummus, and warm pita. It’s customizable, meal-prep friendly, and ideal for both casual dinners and festive gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Falafel:

• 1 1/2 cups dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Hummus:

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
• 1/3 cup tahini
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Paprika & olive oil for garnish

For the Tabbouleh:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup bulgur wheat, soaked
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

To Serve:

• 4 small pita breads or flatbreads

Directions

1. Falafel:
   • Drain the soaked chickpeas thoroughly.
   • Add chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, spices, baking soda, and salt to a food processor.
   • Pulse until the mixture is coarse but sticky enough to hold together.
   • Shape into small balls or patties and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
   • Heat oil in a pan and fry the falafel until golden brown and crisp.
2. Hummus:
   • In a blender, combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
   • Blend until smooth, adding water gradually to adjust consistency.
   • Season with salt.
   • Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
3. Tabbouleh:
   • In a bowl, combine soaked bulgur wheat with parsley, mint, tomatoes, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
   • Mix thoroughly and chill until serving.
4. To Serve:
   • Warm pita breads in a skillet or oven.
   • Arrange falafel, a generous scoop of hummus, a portion of tabbouleh, and folded pita wedges in a large bowl.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 bowls
Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus soaking time for chickpeas and bulgur)
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: Approximately 50 minutes (excluding soaking)

Variations

• Add roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini for extra depth.
• Serve with tzatziki or labneh as an additional dip.
• Use quinoa instead of bulgur for a gluten-free version.
• Bake the falafel for a lighter alternative to frying.
• Include pickled onions or turnips for a tangy contrast.
• Swap pita for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

• Store falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Falafel: up to 4 days
• Hummus: up to 5–6 days
• Tabbouleh: best consumed within 2–3 days

Reheating:

• Reheat falafel in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness.
• Hummus and tabbouleh are best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for falafel?

No, canned chickpeas are too soft and will not bind properly. Dried chickpeas soaked overnight are essential for texture and consistency.

Can I make falafel in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the falafel mixture and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. You can also freeze shaped, uncooked falafel for later use.

What can I use instead of bulgur in tabbouleh?

Quinoa or couscous can be used as substitutes, especially if you’re aiming for a gluten-free version.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, all the components in this mezze bowl are plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.

Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

How do I get smooth hummus?

Peel the chickpeas before blending or use warm chickpeas and blend thoroughly with cold water for a creamy consistency.

Can I use store-bought hummus?

Yes, store-bought hummus works well for convenience, though homemade offers superior freshness and flavor.

How should I store leftover hummus?

Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 5–6 days.

What can I use instead of parsley in tabbouleh?

Cilantro or basil may work, but parsley is traditional and offers the best texture and flavor profile.

How do I keep falafel from falling apart during frying?

Ensure the mixture is not too wet, and do not overcrowd the frying pan. Refrigerating the formed falafel helps them hold their shape.

Conclusion

The Falafel Mezze Bowl is a delightful celebration of Middle Eastern flavors, bringing together crispy falafel, creamy hummus, herby tabbouleh, and warm pita in one beautifully balanced dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this bowl is nourishing, customizable, and sure to satisfy. Enjoy each bite as a flavorful journey through traditional and wholesome ingredients.

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