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A vibrant Mediterranean falafel bowl with crispy falafel, hard-boiled eggs, fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and a creamy sauce drizzled on top.
Reda

Mediterranean Falafel Bowl

This vibrant Mediterranean Falafel Bowl combines crispy, spiced falafel, fluffy couscous, and fresh, crunchy vegetables, all drizzled with a creamy, bright tahini dressing for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Falafel
  • 1 package falafel mix 5-6 oz, e.g., Near East
  • 0.25 cup olive oil for cooking
For the Fluffy Couscous Base
  • 1 cup instant couscous
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water
For the Fresh Salad
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 English cucumber diced
  • 0.5 red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
For the Creamy Tahini Dressing
  • 0.25 cup tahini
  • 1 lemon freshly squeezed, about 2 tbsp juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 0.5 tsp salt divided
For Garnish
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large Non-Stick Skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Falafel
  1. Combine the falafel mix with water according to package directions (typically 1.5 cups water per package) in a medium bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to fully hydrate. Once hydrated, form the mixture into about 12-16 small, firm patties or balls, pressing them together so they don't crumble when cooked.
Cook the Falafel
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the falafel patties in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and crispy all over. Transfer the cooked falafel to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Couscous Base
  1. While the falafel cooks, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the instant couscous and a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of the divided salt. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately, cover it tightly, and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving.
Chop the Fresh Salad
  1. Dice the English cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Combine all the chopped vegetables in a medium bowl; you can gently toss them together or layer them later.
Whisk the Tahini Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, the remaining divided salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Continue whisking, gradually adding more water, about 1 teaspoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency that's not too thick or too thin.
Assemble Your Mediterranean Bowls
  1. Divide the fluffy couscous evenly among 4 serving bowls. Artfully arrange the fresh salad vegetables and the crispy falafel patties over the couscous. Drizzle generously with the creamy tahini dressing and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Make-ahead: The tahini dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You might need to add a splash more water and whisk it again to thin it out before serving, as it can thicken over time.
Serving suggestion: For an extra pop of flavor and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a dash of earthy sumac, or a dollop of hummus to your finished bowl.
Dietary note: To make this bowl gluten-free, simply substitute the instant couscous with cooked quinoa or brown rice.