Falafel-Spiced Chickpeas and Potatoes
This dish is a vibrant, hearty, and flavorful combination of crispy roasted chickpeas, golden potatoes, and aromatic falafel-inspired spices. It’s a perfect plant-based meal or side dish with Middle Eastern flavors. The dish combines a balance of textures, with the crunch of roasted chickpeas and the softness of potatoes, and is elevated by a medley of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and garlic.
Ingredients:
2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large russet potato, cubed
1/4 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, sliced
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp kosher salt
Black pepper to taste
Cucumber Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt or non-dairy alternative
1/4 cup grated cucumber
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Prepare Chickpeas and Potatoes:
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, combine chickpeas, potatoes, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat.
Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, stir the mixture, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and slightly crispy.
Make the Sauce:
While the chickpeas and potatoes bake, combine yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
Serve:
Spread the yogurt sauce on a serving plate. Top with the roasted chickpeas and potatoes. Serve with warm flatbread or use to create wraps. Enjoy!
Tips:
Season Generously: Ensure the chickpeas and potatoes are evenly coated with the spice blend to achieve maximum flavor.
Dry Chickpeas Well: Pat the chickpeas dry with a paper towel before roasting for extra crispiness.
Cut Potatoes Evenly: Chop the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Use High Heat: Roast at a high temperature (400-425°F / 200-220°C) to get crispy edges on both the chickpeas and potatoes.
Add Fresh Herbs: Finish with chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness.
Drizzle with Sauce: Serve with tahini, yogurt, or a lemony dressing to balance the spices.
Make It a Meal: Pair with pita bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Suggested Servings:
As a Side Dish: Serves 4-6.
As a Main Dish: Serves 2-3 when paired with a sauce or complementary sides.