Baked Falafel for Bento Stash
It’s time to replenish some of the bento stash so today I decided to cook falafels! But with a twist…. they’re baked not fried!
Well maybe not an “authentic” twist as I’ve always baked my falafels. But there’s another twist… for their preparation I used a method called “ halfway homemade”. They are baked by me (the homemade part) but I bought the falafel mix from the the store’s bulk healthy foods section. Just add water! Whoo hoo!
I’ve made falafels from scratch in the past, but this is quicker. 
And there’s another surprise… I tried a new thing and baked the falafel using a mini muffin pan. I’m not sure of any advantage than a regular pan, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Let’s see how they turned out.
Mix 1 cup of bulk falafel mix with 3/4 cup of water.
Mix thoroughly and set for 15 minutes to allow it thickening.
I forgot to take the photo of the thickened mix before placing in the mini muffin pans. The entire batch filled one pan (12 falafels). I swiped each hole with a bit of olive oil before filling.
Bake the falafels at 350 degrees for 15 -20 minutes. I didn’t flip these over after the first 10 minutes like I usually do when baking on a flat pan.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes, then gently lift each one out of the pan to allow further cooling. If they stick use a tip of a knife to wiggle it out. I had to do that to a couple of them. Again, I missed photographing this process!
Did I like using the mini muffin pan better than cooking them flat? I liked the method but not the results. The muffin pan was easier because I didn’t have to form patties or turn them over during baking. But these patties didn’t turn as brown as I like them; however the good news is that they taste great despite their odd color. In conclusion… no more surprise fancy schmancy pans for baking falafels!
As bento fillers these are invaluable. Eat them plain or with your favorite sauce or seasonings; they make a great sandwich too! Whip up a large batch and store them in the freezer where they could last for many months! Ha! Yeah right… we eat them way ahead of their expiration which is why I’m busy today restocking the bento stash. :)
Falafel muffins! Cute and clever twist on the traditional patties. I also don’t see reason to mix your own when a ready-made mix is so readily available
Semi-homemade, I’m all for it! Great pictures and tutorial!
What a clever idea to bake them. A falafel mix has been stored in my kitchen cabinet for months, but I never came round to making them because I don’t like (deep)frying (as indicated on the packet’s instructions).
I’ll try to also bake the semi-homemade fafels this afternoon. You have inspired me to give it a try. Thank you.
Hi Ceinwyn- Oh yeah… give it a go and let us know how you liked them baked!
I love falafel – I’m going to look out for a mix!
Falaffel is a great food ^-^ I tried those half-homemade ones, too, but they were so dry =/ I must dry it another time and trying to get them softer.
I’m not familiar with the name of Falafel but its definitely looks delicious.
Such a nice idea! Thank you so much
. Once I tried to bake homemade falafels but their taste became so boring.. This tip using muffin trays is a “must” try ^_^
I can see how baked falafel can get boring. I feel the same way after eating them for a couple of days. Sometimes I dip them in sauces to vary the taste.
I’ve never tried falafel in a bento – wonder if the hubby would like that… I may have to give it a try – I never make it because of it being fried, but never thought to bake it – great idea
I’ve been meaning to make a batch of Tabbouleh, so maybe I’ll do them at the same time 
Thanks everyone for your comments. I’ll keep posting more recipes.
Thank you! Great idea. I have some falafel mix as well in the cupboard, but haven’t made them because of waiting for the right time to fry and such. Baking is much better of a process for a lot of reasons.
I LOVE falafel but don’t get to eat them as much as I’d like. Sometimes I make them thinner and wider, like a burger patty, and slap one on a whole-grain bun with some thinly sliced carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, and some ketchup. Or if I’m really on a protein kick, I’ll spread just a tad of roasted red pepper hummus. Mmmm.
Chickpeas are an amazing thing.
Oh this is great thank you – an oven baked falafel recipe. I make these loads, as I store them in the freezer as a quick fix for lunch, however I always feel bad as I think of them as healthy but then I deep fry them!
I have tried the premix but find it taste quite grainy like a paxo stuffing mix. It’s a little effort cooking them from scratch but if you want to try a recipe I have one here.
Thanks for linking this falafel recipe. I must give it a try.
I love falafel but have never made it. just recently I was picking up some sesame seeds at fred meyer (seems to have best prices in bulk food section locally) when I saw the falafel mix. I was scared to get it then but now I’ll have to try. deep fried is always best but I like your muffin tin idea. thanks.
I agree that frying tastes best, but the baking isn’t so bad. Not as crispy but not as fattening!
Thanks for visiting my blog.
AWESOME!
I’ve done the same thing with the falafel I cook. But I don’t use a muffin pan to avoid them not being so big. I just shape smaller patties with my hand, spray with cooking spray (top and bottom), then bake them on a foil-lined cookie sheet.
Hi Abram, Thank you and welcome to our blog! The muffing pan I used are for the tiny mini muffins which is about the same size of a falafel ball. But I don’t go that route anymore and bake just about the same way as you!