Description
These Spinach & Feta Falafel Bites are a flavorful twist on traditional falafel, combining nutritious baby spinach, creamy feta, and hearty chickpeas. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these bites are fried to a golden crisp and served with refreshing tzatziki for added zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g baby spinach
- 400g can drained chickpeas
- 100g feta cheese
- 2 tsp cumin
- 100g plain flour
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Tzatziki, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Pour a kettle of boiling water over the baby spinach in a colander. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze out all excess water thoroughly to avoid soggy falafel mixture.
- Make the falafel mixture: In a food processor, pulse the drained chickpeas, squeezed spinach, crumbled feta, cumin, and plain flour until just combined. Avoid over-processing to keep some texture.
- Shape the falafel: With well-floured hands, roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls, then flatten each into patties for even frying.
- Fry the falafel bites: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Fry the patties in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Freeze for later use: Place cooled falafel bites on a baking tray, cover with cling film, and freeze to solidify. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags, seal tightly, and label for up to 3 months storage.
- Reheat and serve: To serve, defrost the falafel bites in the fridge overnight. Cook in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4 for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm with tzatziki.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent the falafel mixture from becoming too soft and difficult to shape.
- Use well-floured hands when shaping the patties to prevent sticking.
- Falafel bites can be frozen for up to 3 months; freeze on trays first before transferring to bags to keep them separate and prevent sticking.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture; avoid microwaving which may make them soggy.
- Serve with tzatziki or your favorite dip for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: spinach falafel, feta falafel, vegetarian appetizer, Mediterranean bites, chickpea falafel, fried falafel, healthy snacks
