Spicy Vegan Falafel Wrap Recipe
Introduction:
The Spicy Vegan Falafel Wrap is a fusion of traditional Middle Eastern flavors and aromatic Indian spices. This innovative take on the famous street food brings an extra kick of spice with ingredients that are staples in Indian kitchens. By combining chickpeas, cilantro, onions, garlic, cumin, and a handful of unique spices like peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and red chili powder, this version of falafel is not only hearty but also packs an exciting punch. The wrap comes together with the addition of fresh veggies, tangy green chutney, and warm tortillas or flatbreads. This recipe is perfect for lunch, offering a satisfying vegan meal with a rich, spicy profile.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas) | 1 cup, soaked overnight |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4-5 cloves, finely chopped |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 4-5 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 cloves |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 small stick |
| Salt | To taste |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Tortillas (or Indian flatbread, roti, or paratha) | 8 pieces |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 1 cup |
| Tomato | 1, sliced |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2, thinly sliced |
| Salt | A pinch for assembling |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
1. Preparing the Falafel:
- Begin by draining the soaked chickpeas and patting them dry to remove any excess water.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, chopped coriander leaves, onion, garlic, cumin seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, salt, baking soda, and red chili powder. Grind the mixture until it forms a coarse batter. Be careful not to over-process it; a slightly chunky texture is ideal.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the salt or spices as needed.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to help bind the mixture together. The flour will ensure that the falafel holds its shape during frying.
2. Frying the Falafel:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over low to medium heat. The oil should be just enough to submerge the falafel.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the falafel mixture into the oil, forming small balls or patties.
- Fry the falafels in batches, ensuring that they cook evenly on all sides. The frying should be done over low heat to ensure that the falafel cooks through without burning the outside. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, remove the falafels and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
3. Assembling the Spicy Vegan Falafel Wrap:
- While the falafels are cooling, toast the tortillas or flatbread on a skillet. You can lightly butter the bread to get a golden brown and crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use tawa paratha or roti for a more authentic touch.
- Once the bread is toasted, spread a generous amount of green chutney (a tangy mixture of coriander and mint) over the surface of each tortilla.
- Layer the sliced tomato, onion, and green bell pepper on top of the chutney.
- Place the hot, crispy falafels over the vegetables. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Carefully roll up the tortilla, securing all the ingredients inside.
4. Serving:
- Your Spicy Vegan Falafel Wrap is ready to serve! For an extra punch, serve alongside a fresh, tangy side salad such as a Lentil Tabbouleh. The hearty falafel with its spicy, fragrant flavors pairs wonderfully with a cool, refreshing salad.
Allergen Information:
- This recipe is naturally vegan, free from animal products.
- The primary allergens in this recipe are gluten (from the all-purpose flour used to bind the falafel mixture) and soy (if your green chutney contains soy or soy-based ingredients). If you have gluten intolerance, you can use gluten-free flour to make the falafel.
- There are no nuts or dairy in this recipe, making it suitable for most vegan diets. However, please check the ingredients of your chutney to confirm it’s nut-free if needed.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegan: Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based, with no animal-derived ingredients.
- Gluten-Free: To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or chickpea flour (besan) to bind the falafel mixture.
- Nut-Free: There are no nuts in this recipe, so it is suitable for those with nut allergies.
- Soy-Free: This recipe is soy-free, assuming the green chutney is made without soy sauce or other soy products.
- Spicy: This wrap features a rich array of spices, including red chili powder, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns, which give it a unique, spicy kick. For a milder version, feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or skip it entirely.
Additional Tips & Advice:
- Customize the Spices: You can adjust the spice level of the falafel according to your preference. If you prefer a milder falafel, reduce the amount of red chili powder or omit the peppercorns.
- Chickpea Alternatives: If you’re not able to get Kabuli Chana (white chickpeas), you can substitute with canned chickpeas or any other type of chickpea available to you. Be sure to drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly before using them.
- Chutney Variation: For a different flavor profile, try using tamarind chutney or a coconut chutney instead of green chutney. Both options will give the wrap a distinct taste that complements the falafel beautifully.
- Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the falafel instead of deep-frying them. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the falafel on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Conclusion:
The Spicy Vegan Falafel Wrap is a fusion delight that brings together Middle Eastern and Indian culinary traditions. With its crispy falafel, aromatic spices, and fresh veggie fillings, it makes for a perfect, satisfying lunch. Whether you enjoy it on a tortilla or a freshly made roti, this wrap is bursting with flavors that will surely make your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s vegan, customizable, and a fantastic option for meal prep. So go ahead, give it a try, and bring some bold, spicy flavors into your kitchen with this delectable wrap!
