A wholesome, vibrant bowl featuring golden-crisp falafel, tender herbed couscous, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a cooling swirl of creamy tzatziki sauce. This colorful, plant-based dish captures the essence of Mediterranean flavor in every bite—fresh, satisfying, and ideal for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean falafel bowl is a nourishing and flavorful vegetarian option that’s both comforting and energizing. The homemade falafel is crispy on the outside and soft inside, the couscous is light and herby, and the tzatziki ties it all together with creamy, garlicky goodness. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and rich in texture and nutrients.

Ingredients

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

For the falafel:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
3 tablespoons flour (chickpea or all-purpose)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for pan-frying

For the couscous:
1 cup couscous
1 cup boiling water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the bowl:
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and flour. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture.
2. Shape the mixture into small balls or patties. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the falafel for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine couscous, boiling water, olive oil, and salt. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped parsley.
5. To assemble the bowl, layer herbed couscous, falafel, chopped tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki.
6. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Additional time: 20 minutes chilling
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Baked Falafel: Bake falafel at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lower-oil option.
• Add Grains: Substitute couscous with quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and protein.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the falafel mix or drizzle with harissa sauce.
• Vegan Tzatziki: Use dairy-free yogurt to make the sauce completely plant-based.
• Extra Veggies: Add shredded carrots, red cabbage, or roasted bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Pita Option: Serve everything inside a warm pita for a handheld meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store falafel, couscous, and chopped vegetables separately in airtight containers. Keep tzatziki refrigerated in a sealed container. All components will last up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat falafel in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispness. Couscous can be warmed in the microwave or served cold as a grain salad. Tzatziki should be served chilled.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, soak and cook dried chickpeas in advance. They result in firmer falafel but require longer prep time.

Can I bake the falafel instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

Is couscous gluten-free?

Traditional couscous is made from wheat and is not gluten-free. Use gluten-free grains like quinoa as a substitute.

Can I make the falafel mixture in advance?

Yes, the mixture can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead of time.

What type of yogurt is best for tzatziki?

Plain Greek yogurt is ideal due to its thick, creamy texture.

Can I freeze falafel?

Yes, cooked falafel freezes well. Let cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Is this dish vegan?

It can be made vegan by using plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki and ensuring no animal-derived ingredients are used.

How do I prevent falafel from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is not too wet. If needed, add more flour or chickpeas for binding.

Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

A blender can be used, but you may need to stop and scrape down frequently to avoid over-processing.

What can I serve with this bowl?

Add hummus, warm pita bread, or a lemon-tahini drizzle for extra richness.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Falafel Bowl with Herbed Couscous & Tzatziki is a refreshing and filling plant-based meal that celebrates bold flavors and balanced nutrition. With crispy falafel, aromatic couscous, and fresh vegetables, this bowl is as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Whether you’re seeking a meatless meal or simply craving Mediterranean flair, this dish offers satisfying variety in every bite.

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