This falafel sandwich has delicious, authentic flavors for the tastiest sandwich ever. It is a perfect blend of crispy falafel balls, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tahini falafel sauce, all wrapped up in warm, fluffy pita bread. You can add any other of your favorite fillings to the sandwich for a meal you cannot get enough of.
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For the ultimate feast, serve it alongside some falafel gyros with tzatziki sauce, sheet pan veggie shawarma, and a delicious falafel platter with hummus, tahini, and more. It is the perfect combination of flavors that I know you will love.
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❤️ Why you’ll love it
This falafel sandwich is one of my all-time favorite vegan sandwiches. It is the best way to enjoy Middle Eastern vegetarian street food from scratch in the comfort of your home. The flavors are authentic, and this sandwich is versatile enough that you can change up the fillings to customize it for each family member.
The falafel balls have a delicious, slightly nutty flavor. The dressing adds a tangy flavor that ties all the rest of the ingredients together. And the freshness from the veggies, chopped herbs, and lettuce add a delicious flavor you will love any time of the year.
This sandwich uses my vegan falafel recipe, which is freezer-friendly. I usually store them in the freezer for a quick and delicious meal whenever my family wants it. You can reheat them quickly in the oven to make them crunchy and crispy again.
The maple Dijon tahini sauce can be made in just 5 minutes, which means this entire sandwich is quick and easy to assemble if you have falafel balls ready in the freezer. The flavor is incredible every time and is a true family favorite.
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🧾 Key ingredients
Pita bread is the foundation of this delicious sandwich. It holds all the ingredients together and provides a soft, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the other components of the sandwich.
Falafel balls are the star of the show. These crispy, flavorful balls are made from chickpeas and a blend of herbs and spices, offering a protein-packed, delicious bite.
Fresh herbs such as chopped mint, parsley, or cilantro add freshness and color to the sandwich. These herbs not only look beautiful, but they also enhance the overall flavor of the sandwich.
Lettuce and tomatoes add a fresh, crisp element to the sandwich. The lettuce provides a nice crunch, while the tomatoes offer a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory falafel balls.
Falafel sauce is a must-have for any falafel sandwich. This oil-free maple Dijon tahini sauce adds a creamy texture and a flavor punch that ties all the ingredients together.
Onions add a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the falafel balls and sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use sweet onions instead.
🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
🥘 Equipment
For this simple and delicious vegan falafel sandwich recipe, the most essential piece of equipment you will need is a good quality grill pan. A grill pan is critical because it allows you to warm the pita bread evenly, giving it a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
This is crucial for the overall texture and taste of the sandwich. This sandwich is nothing without the pita bread. If you do not have a grill pan, you can also use an oven, but I would not recommend using a microwave as it tends to dry out the bread.
👩🍳 Instructions
Preparing the ingredients
STEP 1
Start by warming the pita bread. You can either use a grill pan or an oven for this step. However, avoid using a microwave. You pita bread will be too dry within seconds.
STEP 2
Prepare the fillings for the sandwich. Depending on the size of your pita pockets or wraps, you will need about four to five falafel balls.
STEP 3
Next, gather your fresh veggie toppings. These can include one to two leaves of lettuce, chopped parsley, chopped mint, tomatoes, and onions. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding Middle Eastern pickles.
STEP 4
Prepare the falafel sauce, which is a sweet-tangy maple Dijon tahini dressing. You will need one to two tablespoons of this sauce to drizzle over the fillings.
Making the falafel sandwich
STEP 1
Begin assembling your sandwich by placing the falafel balls on the warmed pita bread.
STEP 2
Next, add your fresh veggie toppings. Remember not to overfill the sandwich to ensure it can be easily folded and eaten.
STEP 3
Drizzle the falafel sauce all over the fillings. Be generous with the sauce, as it adds a lot of flavor to the sandwich.
STEP 4
Now, it is time to fold your sandwich. Start by folding the bottom of the pita bread over the filling. Then, fold the right side over and roll it like a burrito. If you use smaller pita bread, you can simply fold the bread in half with the open side up.
💡 Expert tip
When preparing your falafel sandwich, the key to a flavorful and satisfying bite lies in the falafel sauce. Drizzle generously, about one to two tablespoons, over your fillings. This tangy tahini sauce adds a delightful creaminess and enhances the flavors of the fresh herbs and vegetables, making each bite a symphony of taste. Remember, the sauce ties all the elements together, so do not skimp on it.
🔄 Variations
Give your falafel sandwich a Greek twist with vegan tzatziki sauce. To make this variation, replace the falafel sauce with a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce. This will give your sandwich a refreshing, tangy taste and transform it into a delicious falafel gyro.
Experiment with different types of hummus as a spread. You can use oil-free hummus, beet hummus, sunflower seed hummus, or even a roasted eggplant red pepper dip. Each type of hummus will add a unique flavor and texture to your vegan sandwich, making it even more delicious.
Change up the greens with arugula. If you want to add a peppery kick to it, consider replacing the lettuce with arugula. This leafy green will give your sandwich a distinct flavor and add a touch of sophistication.
Try a different type of falafel sauce like lemon herb tahini sauce. This tangy, herb-infused sauce will give it a refreshing twist, making it an exciting lunch option. Just replace the regular sauce with this one, and you are good to go.
🥣 Serving ideas
This vegan delight is not only a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes.
For a light and refreshing meal, consider pairing it with a variety of hummus. Oil-free hummus, beet hummus, or sunflower seed hummus are excellent companions to the hearty falafel. The creaminess of the hummus complements the crunchiness of the falafel, and the flavors blend together beautifully. You can serve the hummus as a dip on the side or spread it on the pita bread for an extra layer of flavor.
If you are planning a grazing board for a casual gathering or a picnic, it will fit right in. Arrange the sandwich on a board with harissa hummus, pickled onion, and tabbouleh. The vibrant colors and diverse flavors will make your grazing board a feast for the eyes and the palate.
For a Mediterranean-themed meal, serve it alongside veggie shawarma and vegan gyros for a delicious sandwich platter. The rich, savory flavors of the shawarma and gyros will contrast nicely with the fresh, crisp taste of the falafel sandwich. Add a side of Greek salad or some dolmas for a complete Mediterranean feast.
If you love variety, a falafel platter is a great idea. This lavish combination includes homemade crispy falafel, tzatziki sauce, harissa hummus, maple dijon tahini sauce, and an easy Middle Eastern cucumber tomato chopped salad. This platter will be the star of your dinner party, offering a variety of flavors and textures to delight your guests.
❄️ Storing tips
Storing and reheating a falafel sandwich is a straightforward process. It is important to note that the taste and texture of the sandwich may change slightly due to the storage and reheating process, but it will still be delicious and enjoyable.
To store leftovers, you should first allow the sandwich to cool down completely. Then, wrap it tightly in a piece of aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When it comes to freezing, I do not recommend it for this recipe. The fresh lettuce leaves and the sweet and tangy tahini sauce may freeze poorly and can become soggy or lose their texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the falafel balls separately in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months.
It is best to reheat in an oven or a toaster oven. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and place the sandwich inside for about five to ten minutes or until it is heated.
🤔 FAQs
Both options are great! This sandwich is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It is perfect for a quick grab-and-go lunch, and while it is delicious when the falafel is still warm, it remains equally tasty the next day without reheating.
To prepare a falafel sandwich, start by warming a pita bread. Add fresh lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices, followed by a few falafel balls. Finish it off by drizzling your favorite sauce over the top. You can choose from maple Dijon tahini, lemon herb tahini, tzatziki sauce, oil-free hummus, or hummus without tahini.
The method for wrapping a falafel sandwich depends on the size of your pita bread. If you have a large pita bread, place all the fillings in the middle and wrap both sides of the pita to cover it, similar to a burrito. If you use a smaller pita, cut off the top and open it up to reveal the pockets. Then, you can stuff the falafel balls, veggies, and sauce inside these pockets.
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Falafel Sandwich with Maple Dijon Tahini Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 7 Pita bread
- ½ Lettuce
Homemade Falafel (30 balls)
- 1.5 cup Chickpeas (dry not canned) dried, uncooked
- 1 Onion (medium)
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 0.8 oz Fresh parsley
- 0.6 oz Fresh cilantro
- 1.5 tsp Ground cumin seeds
- 2 Tbsp Sesame seeds
- 1 tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- ½ cup Cold water
Maple Dijon Tahini Sauce
- ½ cup Tahini
- 2 cloves Garlic or ¼ tsp of garlic powder per 1 clove
- 4 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp Maple syrup
- ½ cup Water
- 2 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
Instructions
How to make homemade falafel?
- Soak dry chickpeas in cold water overnight. Don’t cook them.
- Drain them and add them to a food processor. Add peeled and roughly chopped onion, peeled garlic cloves, parsley, cilantro, salt, black pepper, cumin, baking soda, and water.
- Blend until you got a creamy but not completely pureed texture.
- Take a large bowl and empty the food processor into it. Chill the falafel mixture in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This is easier to form a ball after that.
- Use a spoon or your palms and form balls or patties out of the chilled mixture.
- Preheat a large pan over medium heat. Add sunflower oil or coconut oil (something that is high-heat resistant and suitable for deep frying).
- Gently place the balls in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for approx. 5 minutes. They should be brown but not burnt and vibrant green in the middle.
How to make the tahini sauce?
- Peel the garlic clove and measure all ingredients.
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor (tahini, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and water). Blend it until you get a smooth sauce. The desired consistency is like a thick paste. Add a tablespoon of water to adjust it if needed.
Assemble
- Warm the pita bread in a grill pan or in the oven. We don’t recommend using a microwave because it just makes them drier.
- Depending on the size of your pita pockets or wraps, add 4-5 falafel balls, 1-2 leaves of lettuce, and 1-2 Tablespoons of sauce.
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