This Falafel Sauce is a delicious addition to falafels, shawarma, kebabs, or even as a salad dressing.
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Falafel sauce is made from tahini sauce and is perfect for many Middle Eastern foods, including shawarma, pita sandwiches, roasted veggies, salad, and, of course, falafel! It is a flavorful sauce that is so easy to prepare you’ll wonder why you never made it before. It brings a creamy tang to any dish.
As a gluten-free and vegan sauce, it is versatile enough for anyone who does not have an allergy to sesame seeds. Use it as a sandwich spread instead of mayonnaise or a dip for fresh vegetables or bread.
Is Falafel Sauce Healthy?
Falafel sauce is naturally gluten- and dairy-free and ideal for vegetarians and vegans. The base for tahini is sesame seeds, which provide fiber, plant protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, antioxidants, and vitamins B1, B3, B6, and E. Sesame seeds may help support digestion, thyroid health, and healthy bones, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce inflammation and joint pain, and aid blood sugar regulation and blood cell formation. They may also help strengthen the immune system.
What Is Tahini?
Tahini is a paste made by grinding toasted and hulled sesame seeds. It can be purchased at the store or made at home with sesame seeds and olive oil. Some recipes recommend using hulled seeds, and others unhulled ones. Unhulled sesame seeds give the tahini a darker, grainier consistency and nuttier flavor.
Tahini, made with hulled seeds, has a more delicate flavor. Hulled seeds also toast faster than unhulled seeds. A food processor or blender is necessary to make tahini paste at home. I find buying organic tahini paste at the store easier, which is perfect for making falafel sauce. (It also lasts longer than grinding your paste.) You can also use tahini in desserts, such as halva, cookies, brownies, and pudding.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2-4 Tbsp water, as needed for consistency
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine
Mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
Whisk
Blend until thickened, then adjust consistency with water.
Serve
Enjoy as a dressing or dip with your favorite dishes.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
You can make falafel sauce beforehand because it stays fresh in a covered, airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. Tahini often thickens while it sits, so adding water a teaspoon at a time and whisking well is all you need to thin it to your desired consistency.
Herbs are frequently used in Middle Eastern Cooking. Try basil, parsley, dill, and cilantro. Finely chop the herbs or blend them with the tahini. You can also sprinkle the herbs on top for a pretty presentation.
Cumin is an ideal spice for tahini, and only a pinch goes a long way in this recipe. For added flavor or heat, you can also add freshly ground pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Falafel sauce is a mild sauce often accompanied by another sauce called Schug (Zhug), made from cilantro, chili peppers, and spices. Another sauce, Charif, features a blend of tomatoes, vinegar, cumin, cayenne, and garlic. Harissa is another option, using roasted red peppers, spices, garlic, tomato paste, and chilis. Serve these alongside traditional tahini sauce.
Ice water helps you achieve a creamy, light consistency in your sauce. As you add the water, you might notice some clumping or thickening (seizing) of the tahini. Continual whisking and additional water will help it thin out. A fork might help you break up the seized clumps first, and then you can switch to a whisk. Use a blender for larger quantities or if you want a very smooth sauce with finely pureed garlic.
Serving Suggestions
Eggplant and tahini are natural combinations, as falafel sauce is often served alongside Baba Ghanoush. Try drizzling this sauce over Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant slices for a fantastic taste sensation. Another traditional Middle Eastern dish to try is Tabbouleh. Of course, the ideal accompaniment for this sauce is falafel, and making Air Fryer Falafel is so simple you will enjoy it regularly.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2-4 Tbsp water as needed for consistency
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. The mixture will initially thicken.
- Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the desired consistency is reached; it should be creamy and smooth, perfect for drizzling.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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