The Ultimate Mediterranean Falafel Bowl

My love affair with the Falafel Bowl goes back as far as I can remember! I always keep a batch of falafel (or two) in the freezer, ready to fry and enjoy at a moment’s notice. While falafel is amazing in a pita or paired with creamy hummus, I wanted to take its irresistible flavors on a new adventure.

If you’ve ever wondered how to enjoy falafel beyond the usual wraps, you’re in for a treat! Enter my Mediterranean Falafel Bowl—a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings together the best of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Picture this: crispy falafel nestled on a bed of creamy hummus, tangy tabbouleh, and a drizzle of silky tahini sauce. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, briny olives, and a sprinkle of feta complete this colorful masterpiece. Every bite is a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and bold, fresh flavors.

So, if you’re craving a falafel bowl that’s as satisfying as it is delicious, this recipe is your ticket to flavor paradise. Let’s dig in!

How to Make Falafel Bowl

• Falafel Meal Prep: The patties must be perfect if you want to learn how to make a Mediterranean bowl with falafel. The reason is that they’re the focal point of the dish. Follow this recipe to make incredibly flavorful and crispy falafel patties for the best results. Once cooked, set them aside.
• Create a Base with Hummus: Start assembling your falafel bowl by spreading a generous dollop of creamy hummus as the base. 
• Add the Vibrant Tabbouleh: Spoon a refreshing Tabouleh over the hummus. The combination of finely chopped parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, and other herbs will add a burst of freshness to this Middle Eastern bowl.
• Arrange Fresh Cut Vegetables: Cut ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy red onions into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them in a colorful pattern around the bowl, adding visual appeal and freshness to each bite.
• Garnish with Olives, Feta, and pepperoncini: For an extra touch of Mediterranean goodness, sprinkle some olives, crumbled feta cheese over the bowl, and some pickle pepperoncini. These savory additions will add depth and a hint of saltiness to the overall flavor profile.
  Drizzle with Creamy Tahini Sauce: Regarding the best Mediterranean sauce for falafel, tahini is an excellent choice. Drizzle a generous amount of tahini sauce all over the dish. The rich and nutty flavors of tahini will complement the other ingredients and enhance the overall taste of the bowl. Serve and Enjoy.

Variation for your Mediterranean Falafel Bowl:

• Dip Options: Explore different dip options to add variety to your falafel bowl. Instead of the traditional hummus, try  Baba Ganoush for a smoky flavor or zesty Guacamole for a refreshing twist.
• Salad Alternatives: Consider substituting the Tabouleh with alternatives like Fattoush Salad, a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and crispy pita chips, or Salata Arabia, a refreshing salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley. You can also opt for a simple Tahini Salad.
• Vegetable Selection: Customize your falafel bowl with various fresh or roasted vegetables. Experiment with options like radishes, bell peppers, roasted cauliflower, eggplant, sweet potatoes, or zucchini. 
• Garnish Ideas: Add pickled onions, turnips, or cucumbers for a tangy kick. Sprinkle some za’atar or fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an aromatic touch. A sprinkle of sumac can add a delightful tanginess.
• Dressing Options: If you don’t have tahini sauce or prefer a different dressing. Whip up a Greek Goddess dressing with a combination of yogurt, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic for a creamy, tangy dressing or creamy yogurt-cucumber sauce. 
• Grain Additions: You can try options like bulgur pilaf, a Middle Eastern staple known for its nutty flavor, or Greek lemon rice, a vibrant and tangy dish. These are all perfect options for enjoying falafel over rice or other grains. I genuinely love falafel and rice as a go-to bowl for a quick lunch.

Make Ahead and Prep:

• Prepare and refrigerate the falafel mixture until you’re ready to shape and cook the falafel patties. This can save you time on the day of serving.
• If using homemade hummus, prepare it a day or two before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Chop and prepare the vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly assemble the bowl when needed.
• Presenting the Bowl:
• When assembling the falafel bowl, arrange the components aesthetically pleasingly. Use vibrant colors and varied textures to create a delicious visual appeal.
• Remember, while homemade is great, using store-bought or pre-made ingredients is perfectly acceptable to save time and effort. The goal is to create a delicious and satisfying falafel bowl that suits your preferences. Enjoy your flavorful and convenient Mediterranean falafel bowl.