This isn’t your traditional falafel! While I don’t think anyone would turn down classic, crispy falafel made with chickpeas, this version adds tender roasted beets to the mix — and it gives the falafel the prettiest pink colour. Not only that, it also adds a smooth texture thanks to the moisture in the beets. Now, I know what you’re thinking: does it taste like beets? The answer is no! With the parsley, ground coriander, and cumin, this beet falafel tastes very much like traditional falafel, with just a hint of sweetness. What it doesn’t have is a strong beet flavour, so even if you’re not a beet fan, you’ll enjoy this falafel. This beet falafel recipe comes from my ebook, It’s That Easy! If you don’t know, I wrote an ebook that speaks about how easy it is to transition to a meatless lifestyle. It’s nearly 150 pages of tips, recipes (so many recipes!), and a 4 week meal prep guide to help get you started.
Notes on Ingredients
Please note that this is important information on the ingredients and instructions and the FULL recipe with amounts and details can be found DOWN BELOW (scroll to it) in the recipe card.
For the Beet Falafel:
Ground cumin Ground coriander Flour – Either all-purpose flour or a gluten-free variety like oat or einkorn. Roasted beets – Follow the recipe for roasting beets here: Roasted Beet “Feta” Salad with Maple Mustard Vinaigrette. Chickpeas Dried or fresh parsley Salt Pepper Garlic Lemon or lime Onion
For the Harissa Tahini Dressing:
Tahini – Here’s how to make tahini. Sea salt Ground black pepper Harissa paste – Harissa is a smoky, spicy North African condiment. You can find it at many grocery stores these days, or you can order it online. Water Lime juice Garlic chopped
For the Beet Falafel Wraps:
Pita wrap Lettuce Tomatoes Parsley Onions
How to Make Beet Falafel and Harissa Tahini Dressing
You can make both the tahini dressing and the beet falafel mixture in advance, then form and bake the falafel when you’re ready to eat.
Make the Harissa Tahini Dressing:
Process. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Set aside. Transfer the dressing to a bowl and set aside until you’re ready to use it.
Make the Beet Falafel:
Make the falafel mixture. Combine all of the falafel ingredients in your food processor and process for at least a minute, or until everything is thoroughly combined and pink. Refrigerate this mixture so it’s easier to work with. Prepare. Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Form the falafel. Dust your hands with flour to keep the falafel mixture from sticking. Form the falafel using about a tablespoon of the falafel mixture at a time, rolling it in your hands until it forms a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the falafel for 20 minutes. Cool slightly before serving. Make the wraps. Divide the lettuce, parsley, onions, and tomatoes onto the pita wraps. Add 4 balls of falafel to each wrap, then drizzle with the Harissa Tahini Sauce.
Tips for Success
Here are some hints and tips to make this beet falafel recipe even easier!
Swapping out the red beets. If you’re not into dealing with red beet juice on your cutting board and hands, you can use yellow beets instead. Using dried chickpeas. If you’d like, you can swap the canned chickpeas for a cup and a half of cooked dried chickpeas. Keeping hands clean. You can use a cookie scoop to form the falafel balls and keep your hands from getting messy!
What Is Traditionally Served With Falafel?
I love tucking beet falafel into wraps, but you can also use them as part of a big meze platter full of Middle Eastern favourites! Here are some ideas:
Perfect Homemade Hummus Baba Ghanoush Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
You can store the beet falafel and dressing separately in the refrigerator, each in airtight containers. They’ll last about 4 days. The falafel can be reheated in the microwave or in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes, and the dressing can be set on the counter to warm up a bit before serving if it’s thickened in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Falafel?
Yes, you can freeze this falafel for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It can be reheated from frozen in a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes or in the microwave. Enjoy friends! If you make this vegan beet falafel recipe, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!
