Delicious as an appetizer, main dish, or snack, falafel is a common street food throughout the Middle East. You have likely encountered falafel tucked in pita and smothered with tzatziki or tahini sauce. Yummy as this pocket sandwich is, there are many other ways to enjoy falafel! But what to serve with falafel? Sandwich or not, the list below will help you come up with the perfect sides and condiments to enjoy with falafel.
What to Serve with Falafel
Perhaps you've discovered my baked falafel balls recipe and can't wait to try it, or maybe you want to find new ways to enjoy your favorite vegetarian dish. Either way, these ideas range from the traditional to slightly more creative options, so there's something for everyone!
1. Tzatziki sauce
I'd be remiss if I left tzatziki sauce off this list. This refreshing yogurt-based condiment is seasoned with garlic and dill. For something with so few ingredients, it packs a flavorful punch. Use it on a falafel sandwich, or dip plain falafels in it for a simple yet delicious appetizer or snack.
2. Lentil salad
Along with the chickpeas and fava beans typically used to make falafel, lentils are another common Middle Eastern legume. Pack extra protein into a meatless meal by serving falafel alongside a lentil salad, like this vegan lentil fennel salad.
3. Pickled onions
If you've never pickled onions, do yourself a favor and put red onions on your grocery list. They take just a few minutes to throw together and keep for a very long time (if you don't eat them first!). Pickled onions add a delightful zing to salads, pizza, sandwiches … the list goes on. Try them with falafel, and you'll see what I mean.
4. Stuffed grape leaves
Commonly called dolmas, stuffed grape leaves are another popular Middle Eastern dish. They can be made with or without meat, and recipes range from just three ingredients to many. Like falafels, dolmas taste good dipped in tahini sauce.
5. Tabbouleh
Tabbouleh, tabouleh, tabouli — however you spell it, this bright, refreshing salad beautifully complements savory falafel, which are often fried. Parsley, mint, onion, and lemon juice add a nice tang to the bulgur and tomatoes that typically make up tabbouleh.
6. Quinoa salad
If tabbouleh isn't your thing, try a slightly tamer quinoa salad. This South American seed might seem a strange accompaniment for a dish from the other side of the globe, but like many grains, quinoa is very versatile. Make it Mediterranean with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and olives, or try a roasted eggplant quinoa salad.
7. Pita
Of course, you can't go wrong with pita and falafel. Turn some pita pockets into sandwiches or serve pita wedges alongside falafel and hummus or baba ghanoush for an appetizer spread or light meal. Sometimes, a classic is the best way to go.
8. Cucumber salad
Light, crunchy cucumbers nicely balance the richer, denser falafel. Slice some up to enjoy plain alongside your falafel, or make a chopped cucumber salad, like this refreshing watermelon, cucumber, and mint salad, which is especially good on a hot summer day.
9. Hummus
Of course, we can't forget about hummus! This smooth chickpea and tahini spread is an excellent dip for fresh veggies and pita. It's also good on a falafel sandwich. You can easily customize your own homemade hummus or try one of the many flavors available at the grocery store.
10. Lemon rice
For a filling but simple meal, make lemon rice or orzo to serve with falafel. While there are some fancier pilaf recipes, you only need rice, lemon juice, butter, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Choose brown rice for a serving of whole grains, or opt for your favorite white rice (like basmati) or orzo to really let the lemon shine through.
11. Baba ghanoush
A lesser-known cousin of hummus, baba ghanoush is made with eggplant rather than chickpeas. Still smooth, creamy, and delicious, baba ghanoush has a distinct smoky flavor imparted by the grilled or roasted eggplant. Serve it with a platter of falafel, fresh veggies, and pita wedges.
12. Egyptian lentils and pasta
If you're looking for an entrée to serve with a side or appetizer of falafel, Egyptian lentils and pasta are a great option. This common Egyptian dish involves lentils, rice, and pasta topped with tomato sauce and fried onions. It's warm, flavorful, and filling.
FAQs
If you're planning a big meal and want to prepare beforehand, you can get a head start on the falafel. Make the falafel mixture, but do not form patties yet. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for one to two days, then pull it out when you are ready to form and cook the patties.
Because the primary ingredient is chickpeas or fava beans, falafel provides an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein. Of course, frying them increases the caloric and fat content, but falafel can also be baked.
Yes! To freeze falafel, prepare the recipe and form the patties, but instead of cooking them, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and stick them in the freezer for about an hour. Once they have hardened, move the falafel to an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Bake or fry the falafel without thawing; just cook them a bit longer. Falafel is delicious in just about any way you serve it, but it can be difficult to come up with ideas sometimes.
Bookmark or pin this post to come back to each time you make falafel so you can try something different! There are so many sides, condiments, and entrees to try.
