What to Serve with Falafel: From Quick Lunches to Dinner Parties

Falafel, those delightful deep-fried balls of spiced chickpeas (or fava beans!), are a culinary treasure. They’re versatile, flavorful, and satisfying, making them a popular choice for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a delicious snack. But falafel doesn’t have to stand alone. The right accompaniments can elevate the entire experience, transforming a simple meal into a vibrant and unforgettable feast. Choosing the right sides and sauces that complement the earthy, savory notes of falafel is key. This guide explores the best options for creating the perfect falafel spread.

The Foundation: Bread & Wraps

The most common way to enjoy falafel is nestled inside a warm, pillowy bread. The type of bread can significantly impact the overall experience.

• Pita Bread: The classic choice, pita bread offers a soft, slightly chewy texture that’s perfect for creating a pocket. Its mild flavor allows the falafel and other fillings to shine. Look for whole wheat pita for a healthier option. Gently warm the pita before filling it for optimal pliability and taste.

• Laffa Bread: Larger and thinner than pita, laffa bread is a Middle Eastern flatbread that’s ideal for wrapping a generous serving of falafel. Its slightly crispy edges and soft interior provide a wonderful textural contrast.

• Tortillas: While not traditional, tortillas can be a surprisingly good substitute, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option (use corn tortillas). They’re readily available and offer a neutral base for the falafel and its accompaniments.

Essential Sauces & Dips

No falafel meal is complete without a selection of flavorful sauces and dips. These add moisture, tang, and complexity to each bite.

• Tahini Sauce: The undisputed king of falafel sauces, tahini sauce is made from ground sesame seeds, lemon juice, garlic, and water. Its creamy texture and nutty flavor perfectly complement the earthy notes of the falafel. Experiment with adding a pinch of cumin or paprika for extra depth.

• Hummus: Another chickpea-based delight, hummus provides a creamy, protein-packed addition to your falafel. Its smooth texture and mild flavor make it a versatile accompaniment. Consider different variations like roasted red pepper hummus or garlic hummus for added interest.

• Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill, tzatziki provides a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced falafel. Its tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the dish.

• Amba: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, amba, a tangy and spicy mango pickle sauce, is a fantastic choice. Its fruity sweetness and fiery kick add a unique dimension to the falafel.

• Harissa: A North African hot chili paste, harissa adds a significant amount of heat and smoky flavor. Use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.

Crisp & Refreshing Salads

A fresh salad is essential for balancing the richness of the falafel and adding vibrant colors and textures to the plate.

• Israeli Salad: A simple yet flavorful salad made with finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Its refreshing flavors and crisp textures perfectly complement the falafel.

• Tabouli: A Levantine salad made with bulgur wheat, finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, and cucumbers, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Its herbaceous flavors and light texture provide a refreshing contrast to the falafel.

• Fattoush: A Lebanese bread salad made with toasted or fried pita bread, mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs, dressed with a tangy sumac vinaigrette. The crispy pita adds a delightful crunch.

• Shirazi Salad: Similar to Israeli salad but with a Persian twist, Shirazi salad includes finely diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, dressed with verjuice (sour grape juice) or lemon juice and olive oil.

Pickled & Preserved Delights

Pickled vegetables add a tangy and crunchy element to the falafel experience, cutting through the richness and adding a burst of flavor.

• Pickled Turnips (Torshi Lift): A popular Middle Eastern pickle made with turnips, beets, and spices. Its vibrant pink color and tangy, slightly sweet flavor are a delightful addition.

• Pickled Cucumbers: A classic pickle that adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor.

• Pickled Onions: Red onions pickled in vinegar and spices offer a sharp and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the falafel.

• Amba (as a pickle): While often served as a sauce, amba can also be enjoyed as a pickled condiment, adding a sweet and spicy kick.

Hearty & Satisfying Sides

For a more substantial meal, consider adding some heartier side dishes to your falafel spread.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers provide a smoky and savory complement to the falafel.

• Rice Pilaf: A fluffy and aromatic rice pilaf, seasoned with herbs and spices, is a satisfying side dish that absorbs the flavors of the sauces and falafel.

• Lentil Soup: A hearty and flavorful lentil soup provides a comforting and nutritious addition to your falafel meal.

• French Fries/Potato Wedges: Though not traditional, crispy french fries or seasoned potato wedges are always a crowd-pleaser and provide a satisfying contrast to the falafel.

Fresh Herbs & Vegetables

Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs and vegetables to elevate your falafel.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous flavor and a pop of green.

• Mint: Mint provides a cooling and refreshing element.

• Cilantro: Cilantro adds a distinct flavor that complements the spices in the falafel.

• Lettuce: Crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch.

• Tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes add a juicy sweetness.

• Cucumbers: Sliced cucumbers offer a cooling and refreshing element.

• Onions: Thinly sliced onions add a sharp and pungent flavor.

Beyond the Plate: Crafting a Complete Falafel Experience

Serving falafel is more than just putting food on a plate; it’s about creating an experience. Consider offering a variety of options so that everyone can customize their own falafel creation. Arrange the ingredients in an appealing way, allowing guests to build their own pita pockets or wraps. This interactive approach adds a fun and engaging element to the meal. Think of it as a falafel bar!

A Symphony of Flavors: Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best accompaniments for falafel are those that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different combinations and find what works best for your palate. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things. The beauty of falafel lies in its versatility and its ability to pair with a wide range of flavors and textures. With a little imagination, you can create a truly unforgettable falafel feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make falafel ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the falafel mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to fry the falafel just before serving to ensure they’re crispy and delicious.

Q: What if I don’t have tahini? Can I substitute something else?

A: While tahini is the most authentic choice for a falafel sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will provide a similar creamy and tangy element.

Q: How can I make my falafel healthier?

A: To make your falafel healthier, consider baking them instead of frying them. You can also use whole wheat pita bread and load up on fresh vegetables and herbs.