What To Do With Leftover Falafel: Tasty Ideas & Recipes
Feeling uninspired when it comes to what to do with that leftover falafel lurking in the back of your fridge?
Searching for new and exciting ways to use up those scrumptious, crispy chickpea balls, but can’t seem to come up with any ideas?
Well, fear not, because today we’re going to show you how to take that leftover falafel and turn it into a culinary adventure!
From falafel burgers to falafel wraps, we’ll reveal some creative and delicious ideas for making the most out of your leftover falafel.
So, don your apron, prepare your taste buds, and let’s dive into the world of sprucing up that leftover falafel!
What To Do With Leftover Falafel
One of the best ways to use up leftover falafel is by reheating and transforming it into a burger. Just stuff it inside burger buns, add some sauce, and layer with plenty of fresh salad veggies for colour and crunch.
Some other tasty choices include making a falafel salad, falafel wraps, and if you like a little bit of fusion cuisine, falafel tacos.
Alternatively, keep it simple with falafel toast! Try sourdough spread with hummus, pile up your leftover falafel, add some crunch in the form of cucumber, and if you want to spice things up a little, a few dashes of your favourite hot sauce.
Keep reading to discover more about these ideas and pick up some extra tips for creating a truly delicious meal…
Falafel Burger
Why not turn your leftover falafel into a wholesome and hearty burger?
First, gently heat the falafel patties in a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan until warmed through.
Then, choose your favourite burger buns and spread some hummus or tzatziki sauce on each half.
Layer with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado for some extra creaminess.
Top the falafel patties with a few slices of pickled red onion or radishes for a crunchy kick.
It’s burger night but with a Middle Eastern twist!
Falafel Salad
For a lighter option, try a falafel salad.
Start by chopping up lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and any other vegetables you fancy.
Then, add your leftover falafel patties, either whole or crumbled for a more even distribution.
Sprinkle some sunflower seeds or salted peanuts for an added crunch.
For the dressing, mix together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and water. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
Falafel Wrap
Transform your leftover falafel into a delicious Middle Eastern wrap.
Start by reheating your falafel and then cutting them into smaller pieces.
Choose your desired wrap, such as pita bread or tortillas.
Spread a generous layer of hummus or tahini sauce onto the wrap. Then, add some lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles to give it that fresh crunch. Roll up your wrap, and you’re good to go.
Falafel Tacos
For a unique fusion meal, combine falafel with the ever-popular taco.
To begin, warm your tortillas and your leftover falafel.
Spread a layer of avocado mashed with lime juice, salt, and a pinch of turmeric onto the tortilla.
Then, add diced tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, and shredded lettuce. Top the falafel pieces with a drizzle of tahini dressing. Fold your falafel taco and tuck in!
Falafel Toast
Finally, for a quick and easy meal, upgrade your toast by topping it with falafel.
Toast your choice of bread and spread a thick layer of hummus or tzatziki sauce.
Add slices of cucumber and avocado for some refreshing crunch.
Slice your leftover falafel and lay it across the cucumber and avocado. If you like, sprinkle some chilli flakes, hot sauce, or freshly chopped coriander for a burst of flavour.
Complementary Ingredients
Leftover falafel can be given a new lease of life by incorporating it into different dishes with some fresh and flavoursome ingredients.
Here, we’ll provide some exciting combinations for you to try out in your kitchen.
A great way to use your leftover falafel is to create a wide variety of robust and flavourful salads, brimming with wholesome ingredients.
Consider a delicious combination of quinoa, zucchini, spinach, and red onion, all tossed with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice, to create a light and refreshing dish.
Your falafel can be crumbled and sprinkled on top, adding a delightful crunch and complexity to your meal.
For a heartier option, why not use your falafel as an essential ingredient in a rice or lentil bowl?
Combine cooked rice or lentils with roasted sweet potato, kale, beets, and crumbled falafel.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and drizzle a little olive oil over the top.
Give everything a good mix, and serve warm or at room temperature for a satisfying and healthful meal.
Eggs pair wonderfully with leftover falafel too.
Imagine a delicious frittata brimming with chopped falafel, zucchini, spinach, and red onion.
Whisk your eggs and pour them over the ingredients in a hot pan, allowing the mixture to set before transferring to the oven to finish cooking.
The result is a golden, scrumptious dish perfect for a weekend brunch or quick weekday dinner.
For those who crave a bit of fusion in their food, leftover falafel can be transformed into the starring ingredient in some unexpected dishes.
Fancy a kimchi-falafel stir-fry?
Start by sautéing kale and red onion in a bit of olive oil. Add your crumbled falafel, cooked rice or quinoa, and a generous spoonful of kimchi. Stir everything together, allowing the flavours to meld and the kimchi to heat through. Serve hot, and enjoy a unique and exciting taste sensation.
Another delightful combination to try is sweet and savoury falafel toast with peach and bacon.
Start by pan-frying your crumbled falafel with diced bacon until crispy. Layer the mixture onto a slice of toasted sourdough bread and top with slices of ripe peach. This delightful combination of textures and flavours is not only unexpected but will have you craving more.
Preparing Leftover Falafel
Leftover falafel can be a delightful treat for your taste buds with a little creativity.
In this section, we’ll explore how to prepare leftover falafel using an air fryer and some tasty dipping sauce options to enhance your experience.
Air Frying Leftover Falafel
Air frying is a convenient and healthier alternative to deep frying, which helps preserve the taste and texture of your falafel.
First, preheat your air fryer to 190°C.
Then, gently place your leftover falafel in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t clump together.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are heated through.
Once done, serve your falafel with dipping sauces, salads, or enjoy them in a warm pita.
Dipping Sauce Options
One of the best ways to enhance your falafel dish is by pairing them with an assortment of dipping sauces. Here are some scrumptious options to elevate your falafel experience:
- Yoghurt sauce: Mix Greek or non-dairy yoghurt, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley for a refreshing, creamy dip.
- Spicy sauce: Combine yoghurt or tahini with hot sauce like Sriracha, chilli flakes, and lemon juice to add a fiery kick to your falafel.
- Hummus: Blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a smooth, protein-packed dip that complements your falafel.
- Tahini sauce: Mix tahini, garlic, lemon juice, water, and salt to create a nutty, velvety sauce that adds depth and flavour to your dish.
Feel free to mix and match the sauces or even create your unique concoctions to suit your preferences. The key to a satisfying falafel meal is finding the perfect blend of flavours that works for you.
So, go ahead and put those leftover falafels to good use by air frying them and trying different sauce combinations. Happy cooking!
