And although these falafel are amazing on their own, adding them to pita wraps with hummus and greens brings them to the next level. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make — coming together in just 30 minutes.
Origins of Falafel
The origin of falafel is an ongoing and heated debate. Some would say it’s a quintessential Israeli food, while Palestinians claim its Arab roots, and still others claim it originated in Egypt, Lebanon, or Yemen. While we claim no expertise on the origins of falafel, we do know we absolutely love its crispy texture and rich flavor. Falafel is traditionally a fried ball or patty made from fava beans, chickpeas, or both. What’s not to love? Those looking for a deeper dive into the much-debated history of falafel can find more information here and here.
Origins of Hummus
Like falafel, the exact origin of hummus is debated. But it’s believed that the first recipes appeared in 13th century cookbooks (source). Hummus is an Arabic word that simply means “chickpeas.” And chickpeas have been grown in the Middle East and India for thousands of years. Hummus bi tahini (but often just referred to as “hummus”) is made with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon. It’s a common dish in Turkish, Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian cuisine, among others. And it’s now gained popularity throughout the world. Those looking for a deeper dive into the history of hummus can find more information here and here.
How to Make Falafel Wraps
These falafel are packed with flavor (hello, garlic and cumin!), loaded with fiber and protein from chickpeas and oat flour, and have plenty of green vibes from fresh kale! The result is a quick-and-easy, delicious falafel that’s secretly good for you. This recipe is made using a food processor, and once the falafel is formed into patties, it’s ready for cooking! Unlike traditional falafel, which is deep-fried, this version is lightly fried in a skillet until gently browned on both sides. The result is a crispy outside and tender (not dry) center. Serious yum. In a matter of minutes, it’s time to assemble your wraps. We like to use pita bread for the wrap, lettuce for greens, and hummus for extra flavor. But the possibilities are endless…think Vegan Tzatziki, 3-Ingredient Tahini Sauce, or even Habanero Hot Sauce! We hope you LOVE these falafel wraps. They’re: FlavorfulSatisfyingSimple to makeHealthyVersatile& SO tasty These wraps would make the perfect weeknight dinner or even picnic meal! Serve the falafel on their own, or pair with our Grain-Free Tabbouleh Salad or Simple Baba Ganoush for extra veggies. Mediterranean-inspired Mondays anyone? Need more serving inspiration? Check out our Ultimate Mediterranean Bowls, Chickpea Shawarma Salad, Greek Goddess Bowls, and 5-Minute Microwave Hummus! If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. We’d love to see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
