Try these savory falafel waffles for the perfect savory brunch recipe or a quick dinner idea! These falafel waffles are packed with protein and are gluten-free. When served with a creamy Tzatziki sauce, they make for a fun twist on the classic falafel sandwich!
I am a die hard Food Network fan. Anyone else? Between Food Network and HGTV, I have enough TV shows recorded to last me through an entire weekend binge of screen time (although, ain’t nobody got time for that).
But seriously, the idea for falafel waffles all originated from a commercial on the Food Network where two men would take a certain food and see how many ways they could eat it. Obviously, this was before times when you could record your favorite shows and zip right through the commercials.
During one of these commercials, they featured a classic falafel sandwich and made a waffle out of the batter. Genius! Since that day, I hadn’t been able to get the idea of a falafel waffle out of my mind.
When I saw garbanzo bean (chickpea) flour on a recent trip to Whole Foods, I knew my dream of a falafel waffle was about to become reality. Is it weird that I dream about food this much? Probably.
Let me first tell you about this garbanzo bean flour, also known as “gram flour.” It’s a like a secret superfood flour that not that many people know about – yet. In one serving (1/4 cup), garbanzo bean flour provides 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of dietary fiber. It also provides 10% of the recommended daily intake of iron and is gluten-free!
I’m also learning that it’s incredibly versatile, especially in heartier recipes. Garbanzo bean flour can used to make flatbreads, savory cakes, I used it in this Creamy Black Bean Dip and yes, falafel waffles.
And so, I pulled out my brand new waffle maker (that has removable plates that can go into the dishwasher – score!) and whipped up some savory falafel waffles.
Garbanzo bean flour has a dense texture, so I combined it with 1-to-1 gluten free flour to keep the lightness of a waffle without compromising the flavor. And of course, you can’t have falafel without tzatziki sauce!
A simple sauce make with plain yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic and grated cucumber was the perfect topping to my falafel waffles. The addition of spring greens, tomatoes and cucumber transforms these waffles into a vibrant and healthy late-morning brunch or Meatless Monday dinner!
Savory Falafel Waffles with a Creamy Tzatziki Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 waffles 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Try these savory falafel waffles for the perfect savory brunch recipe or a quick dinner idea! These falafel waffles are packed with protein and are gluten-free. When served with a creamy Tzatziki sauce, they make for a fun twist on the classic falafel sandwich!
Ingredients
- 1 cup garbanzo bean flour
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup unrefined coconut oil, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
Dairy-Free Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup cucumber, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- For garnish: greens, grape tomatoes, cucumber and avocado slices
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients (milk, coconut oil and egg). Pour into the dry ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
- Pour 1/3 cup of waffle batter into each individual square of a heated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook until the outside is crispy and inside is cooked through (about 5 minutes, depending on waffle iron brand).
- When the waffles are done, place on a cooling rack and repeat until the waffle batter is gone.
- Meanwhile, make the tzatziki sauce. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until well combined. Set aside.
- When ready to serve, plate one falafel waffle and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Top with a handful of spring greens, halved grape tomatoes, cucumber pieces and avocado (if you wish!). Garnish with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk for any kind of unsweetened milk you have on hand.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute 1 egg for 3 tablespoons aquafaba (the brine from a can of garbanzo beans).
- If you don’t follow a vegan diet, you can use plain Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Waffle
- Calories: 212
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 318mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: brunch, chickpea flour, falafel, falafel waffle, gluten-free, gluten-free flour, waffles
The recipe is part of the Meatless Monday link up hosted by The Fit Foodie Mama and Running on Happy, as well as Meatless Monday hosted by Confessions of a Mother Runner, Tina Muir and A Whisk and Two Wands.
64 Responses
Mmh, these look and sound delicious! I must admit I have never tried a savory waffle, but I can see myself trying these! Thank you for the recipe!
They are delicious and can be enjoyed any time of the day! Enjoy!
I love the idea of a savor waffle! And I love falafel, so this is right up my alley!
It’s the perfect combination! Hope you give it a try 🙂
I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO MAKE FALAFEL WAFFLES SINCE I SAW THAT COMMERCIAL hahahah YES!!! This made my day. I can’t wait to finally try this!
HAHA!!! I seriously died when I saw your comment come through to my email. I’m so glad I’m not the only one who remembers this!! Can’t wait for you to try – let me know what you think!
I am drooooling! These look amazing!!! Pinned for later- can’t wait to try!
Yay! Thank you Annmarie! Hope you love them.
These look awesome! Definitely pinning it for later.
Thanks for the pin love, Chel!
This is just genius! I love falafel and I love waffles so what a perfect combination. Your photos are amazing, by the way. 🙂
Thank you so much, Jenine!
I typically go for sweet breakfasts.. but this is making me crave savory!! Looove tzatziki sauce! and falafel waffles are fun to say 🙂
Whoohoo! I typically am too, but these waffles can be enjoyed any time of the day!
Great idea and beautiful photos! Will try this for sure!
Thank you, Tine!
We make falafel waffles last year so good! And easy thanks for linking up with us for meatless Monday today
So happy to hear of someone else trying them… I am loving them! Thanks for hosting the link up!
THIS LOOKS INCREDIBLE!!!! I need these in my life. I am pinning this ASAP to make soon!
Ahh… thanks Rachel!! Hope you love them!
Those look amazing. Yes, huge Food Network fan here as well! Your food photography always looks so gorgeous.
Thanks, Chelsea! You’re the best 🙂
Love all of the veggies and the fresh concept. Can’t wait to try this recipe. It looks so yummy.
Thank you! Hope you enjoy!
MED food is soooo friggin’ good!!!!! I could live on kebob alone for sure! I need to try my hand at flavoring things falafel style though!
I totally agree… I love all of the flavors!!
I love Greek food so these are looking super yummy! I can only imagine how good they taste! Thank you for sharing, I’ll be making these soon!
Thanks, Leslie! Hope you enjoy!
How delicious is this waffle recipe?! This looks amazing and something I could eat all all three meals! Thank you for sharing this gluten free dish… I can;t wait to try it!
You’re welcome, Ashleigh! Hope you love them!
These look amazing! I actually just got a waffle maker (it was one of the only things I didn’t have in my kitchen haha). I will have to try these!
-Jen
http://www.asipofbliss.com
Whoohoo!! I use mine all the time. I love it!
These sound so good! I LOVE savory waffles! Such fun food. Beautiful photos too.
Thanks, Emily! 🙂
Love making my own tzatziki sauce and the rest will be new but now I have to give it a try.
Thanks Candy. Hope you like it!
These look divine! My mom, sister, and brother have been gluten free for years. I am not there yet but plan on whipping these up for our next family event.
Awesome! I hope they love them!
I’m so looking forward to trying to recipe; I LOVE LOVE LOVE falafels, and putting them in a waffle is genius. I’m really in the mood for Mediterranean food now.
Yes! Although sometimes the falafel with the pita bread is just a little too much carbs for me, so I thought why not combine them? Mediterranean food is THE BEST!