Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBasic KitchenFalafel Bowl Recipe

Falafel Bowl Recipe

Inspired by Basic Kitchen
Time1h 40m
Serves4

tempura cauliflower, buffalo sauce, ranch fava bean falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, beet slaw, aji rico, magic green sauce

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Ingredients

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Falafel & Base

Method

Falafel & Base

  1. 1

    Soak fava beans

    Rinse 1 cup dried fava beans and cover with 3 cups cold water. Soak overnight (8–12 hours). Drain, rinse and pat dry before using.

  2. 2

    Make falafel mixture

    Place soaked fava beans, 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup parsley, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp ranch seasoning and 2 tbsp flour into a food processor. Pulse until coarsely ground and the mixture holds together when pressed but is not a paste (20–30 pulses). Scrape sides as needed.

  3. 3

    Rest and shape

    Transfer mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up. Shape into 12 small patties or balls (about 1.5 inches each).

  4. 4

    Cook falafel

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry falafel in batches, flattening slightly, 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden and heated through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. (Alternatively, bake at 400°F/200°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.)

Tempura Cauliflower & Buffalo

  1. 5

    Prepare batter and oil

    In a bowl whisk 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add 1 cup cold sparkling water and whisk lightly until just combined — small lumps are fine. Heat 2 cups neutral oil in a heavy skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).

  2. 6

    Fry cauliflower

    Pat 4 cups cauliflower florets dry. Dip florets into the cold batter, letting excess drip off, and carefully drop into hot oil in batches. Fry 3–4 minutes until batter is crisp and pale golden. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain on a rack or paper towels.

  3. 7

    Make buffalo sauce

    Whisk 1/4 cup hot sauce with 2 tbsp melted butter until smooth. Toss fried cauliflower in the buffalo sauce to coat lightly. Keep warm.

Hummus

  1. 8

    Blend hummus

    Combine 1 cup drained chickpeas, 2 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt and 2 tbsp reserved chickpea liquid (or water) in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding extra liquid 1 tsp at a time to reach a thick but spreadable consistency. Adjust salt and lemon to taste.

Tabbouleh

  1. 9

    Hydrate bulgur

    Place 1/2 cup fine bulgur in a bowl and pour 1/2 cup boiling water over it. Cover and let sit 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and drain any excess liquid.

  2. 10

    Mix tabbouleh

    Combine hydrated bulgur with 1 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped mint, 1/2 cup diced tomato, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well and chill briefly to let flavors marry.

Beet Slaw

  1. 11

    Make slaw

    Toss 1 cup shredded beets and 1/2 cup shredded carrot with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey or agave, 1 tsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt. Let sit 10–15 minutes to soften and meld.

Aji Rico (Peruvian Hot Sauce)

  1. 12

    Combine aji rico

    Whisk together 2 tbsp aji amarillo paste, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp minced garlic and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Adjust heat or acidity as desired.

Magic Green Sauce

  1. 13

    Blend green sauce

    In a blender or food processor combine 1/2 cup cilantro, 1/4 cup parsley, 1 garlic clove, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 seeded jalapeño, 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tbsp water. Pulse until a bright, smooth sauce forms. Thin with additional water or olive oil to desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon.

Assembly & Finish

  1. 14

    Assemble bowls

    Divide 1/2 cup hummus among 4 bowls (about 2 tbsp per bowl) and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Arrange 3–4 buffalo cauliflower florets, 3 falafel balls, 2–3 tbsp tabbouleh, and 2–3 tbsp beet slaw in each bowl.

  2. 15

    Dress and garnish

    Drizzle aji rico and magic green sauce over the falafel and cauliflower (about 1 tsp each per bowl). Add a drizzle of olive oil, sprinkle microgreens or chopped scallions, and serve with lemon wedges. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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