We’ve always loved falafel, but this time we took it to the next level by adding wild garlic (Bärlauch) to the mix! Our Crispy Wild Garlic Falafel is a plant-based twist on the classic, packed with fresh, vibrant flavors and served with a silky creamy tahini sauce. It’s the perfect spring or summer recipe—easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and totally vegan!
This dish brings back memories of wandering through the woods in early spring, collecting bunches of fragrant wild garlic and dreaming up new recipes. Now, every bite of these falafel transports us back to those sunny, green adventures!
🌿 What Makes Wild Garlic Falafel So Special?
Adding wild garlic to your falafel dough gives it an irresistible herbaceous kick. Unlike regular garlic, wild garlic has a slightly milder flavor, but it still offers that signature garlicky bite we all love. It pairs beautifully with the traditional Middle Eastern spices we use in falafel, like cumin, coriander, and paprika.
The result? Crispy on the outside, fluffy and fragrant on the inside falafel that’s bursting with seasonal freshness! These are perfect for stuffing into pitas, layering on a mezze platter, or just dipping straight into that luscious tahini sauce.
🥙 Wild Garlic – A Springtime Super Ingredient
If you’re new to wild garlic (Bärlauch), let us introduce you to your new favorite spring ingredient. Growing wild in European forests, wild garlic is not only delicious but also super nutritious! It’s packed with:
- Antioxidants to fight free radicals,
- Vitamin C to boost your immune system,
- And even natural antibacterial properties.
In this recipe, wild garlic brings a fresh and slightly peppery note to the falafel, while blending seamlessly with the chickpeas and spices. Whether you forage it yourself or grab a bundle at the market, wild garlic is one of those secret ingredients that will make your falafel stand out from the crowd.
⭐ Fun Fact 🌱
Did you know wild garlic is also called “bear’s garlic“? Legend has it that bears would eat it after hibernation to regain strength!
🍋 Let’s Talk About That Creamy Tahini Sauce
No falafel is complete without a dreamy dipping sauce, right? We whip up a classic tahini sauce that’s creamy, zesty, and perfectly complements the herby falafel. Just a few simple ingredients—tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water—come together to make something magical.
We love drizzling this sauce all over a plate of freshly fried falafel, or using it as a dressing for a colorful falafel bowl loaded with roasted veggies, grains, and greens.
🥗 How We Like to Serve It
There are endless ways to enjoy these crispy wild garlic falafel! Here are some of our favorites:
- Stuffed in a warm pita with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and tahini sauce.
- As part of a vibrant mezze platter with hummus, olives, tabbouleh, and pickled veggies.
- On top of a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and a drizzle of tahini.
- Or even just as a snack with some crunchy veggies and extra sauce on the side.
Every time we make this dish, we’re amazed at how versatile and satisfying it is!
💡 Pro Tip 🌟
💚 Why We Love This Vegan Wild Garlic Falafel
This dish is everything we love about plant-based cooking:
- Simple, seasonal ingredients
- Big, bold flavors
- And a recipe that’s just as good for weeknight dinners as it is for impressing friends at a gathering!
The combination of wild garlic and traditional falafel spices makes this dish feel both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free (if you use gluten-free flour or oats), and protein-packed thanks to the chickpeas.
🌍 Bringing the Forest to the Table
Ingredients
For the Wild Garlic Falafel:
- 250 g dried chickpeas soaked overnight or 1 can (400g) chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 large handful of fresh wild garlic Bärlauch, chopped
- 1 small bunch of parsley optional
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp flour chickpea or regular flour
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Tahini Sauce:
- 3 tbsp tahini
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 3-4 tbsp water to thin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Falafel Mixture: In a food processor, combine chickpeas, onion, garlic, wild garlic, and parsley (if using). Pulse until you have a coarse mixture — it should stick together but not be too smooth.
- Add cumin, coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper. Pulse again briefly to incorporate everything. If the mixture is too wet, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Shape & Fry: Form small balls or patties with your hands. Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet and fry the falafel in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water until creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve: Serve the hot falafel with tahini sauce on the side or drizzle over them.
Notes
- If using canned chickpeas, make sure to pat them dry well to avoid a soggy mixture.
- For a healthier version, you can also bake or air-fry the falafel at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Wild garlic is highly seasonal (spring) – if unavailable, substitute with spinach and a small amount of regular garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Crispy Wild Garlic Falafel
🌱 What Makes Wild Garlic Falafel Different from Traditional Falafel?
Wild garlic (Bärlauch) adds a fresh, garlicky, and slightly herbaceous note to the falafel, making it a seasonal twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish.
🥙 What’s the Best Way to Serve These Falafels?
We love serving them in warm pita pockets or wraps with fresh veggies and the creamy tahini sauce. They also make a fantastic addition to a mezze platter or Buddha bowl.
🌿 Can I Bake These Falafels Instead of Frying?
Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but still delicious.
🧄 Is There an Alternative to Wild Garlic?
If you can’t find wild garlic, try using a mix of spinach and a small clove of fresh garlic or chives for a similar effect.
🌡️ How Do I Store Leftover Falafel?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to keep them crispy.
🥗 What Pairs Well with These Falafels?
They pair beautifully with tabbouleh, pickled onions, hummus, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad to create a full, balanced meal.
Enjoy your Crispy Wild Garlic Falafel—a perfect blend of crispy texture and aromatic wild garlic flavor! 🌿🥙✨
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