Falafel balls, those crispy and flavorful fritters made from chickpeas or fava beans, are a beloved staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and beyond. Whether you’re making them from scratch or enjoying store-bought versions, falafel balls are incredibly versatile. But if you’ve ever wondered “What To Serve With Falafel Balls” to create a complete and satisfying meal, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best sides, dips, and accompaniments to elevate your falafel experience, transforming it from a simple snack into a delightful feast.
A large falafel bowl filled with falafel, tahini sauce, tabouleh, fresh vegetables, lettuce, olives, and pita bread, showcasing a variety of accompaniments for falafel balls.
Falafel bowls are a vibrant and customizable way to enjoy these savory balls. Taking inspiration from classic Middle Eastern flavors, we can build a bowl or platter that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition and textures. Think of it as a deconstructed falafel sandwich, offering endless possibilities to explore different tastes and combinations.
Classic Middle Eastern Sides for Falafel
To truly appreciate falafel, pairing it with traditional Middle Eastern staples is a must. These sides complement the earthy flavors of falafel and create a harmonious and authentic culinary experience.
Hummus: The Creamy Companion
No Middle Eastern spread is complete without hummus. This creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is the perfect partner for falafel. Its smooth texture and nutty flavor contrast beautifully with the crispy falafel balls. Whether you use it as a dip or spread it in pita bread, hummus is an essential addition.
A small bowl of creamy hummus, a quintessential Middle Eastern dip that perfectly complements falafel.
Tahini Sauce: The Nutty Drizzle
Tahini sauce, made from sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic, is another indispensable sauce for falafel. Its rich, nutty, and slightly tangy flavor profile enhances the taste of falafel balls. Drizzle it generously over your falafel bowl or sandwich for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
A jar of tahini sauce, highlighting its creamy texture and essential role as a falafel dressing.
Tabouleh Salad: The Fresh Herbaceous Salad
For a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of falafel, tabouleh salad is an excellent choice. This vibrant salad, made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, and bulgur wheat, dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, adds a burst of freshness and acidity that cuts through the fried falafel beautifully.
A bowl of tabouleh salad, showcasing its fresh herbs and vegetables, an ideal light side dish for falafel.
Baba Ghanoush: The Smoky Eggplant Dip
If you’re looking for another flavorful dip, baba ghanoush is a fantastic option. This smoky eggplant dip, similar to hummus but with a distinct smoky flavor from roasted eggplant, offers a delightful alternative or addition to your falafel spread.
Pita Bread: The Perfect Vessel
Pita bread is the quintessential bread for serving with falafel. Its soft, slightly chewy texture and pocket form make it ideal for creating falafel sandwiches or wraps. Warm pita bread alongside your falafel bowl is perfect for scooping up hummus, tahini, and falafel balls.
Pita bread wedges, suggesting its use for wrapping or scooping falafel and accompanying dips.
Fresh and Flavorful Salads
Adding fresh salads to your falafel meal not only lightens it up but also introduces vibrant flavors and textures.
Mediterranean Salad: Simple and Classic
A simple Mediterranean salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with a lemon-herb vinaigrette, is a refreshing and classic pairing. The crisp vegetables and salty feta complement the warm falafel wonderfully.
A wooden board featuring sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, red onions, olives, and lemon wedges, showcasing fresh salad ingredients for falafel.
Fattoush Salad: The Crunchy Bread Salad
Fattoush is a Lebanese bread salad that includes toasted or fried pita bread pieces, along with mixed greens and vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and radishes, all tossed in a lemony dressing with sumac. The crunchy pita adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft falafel.
Cucumber and Yogurt Salad: Cooling and Refreshing
A cooling cucumber and yogurt salad, often flavored with mint and garlic, provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth and richness of falafel. This light and tangy salad is especially enjoyable during warmer months.
Dips and Spreads to Enhance Your Falafel
Beyond hummus and baba ghanoush, explore other dips and spreads to diversify your falafel experience.
Tzatziki: Greek Yogurt Dip
Tzatziki, a Greek yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and dill, offers a creamy and tangy counterpoint to falafel. Its coolness and fresh flavors make it a refreshing addition, especially if you want a non-sesame based sauce option.
Spicy Harissa Dip: For a Fiery Kick
If you enjoy a bit of heat, a harissa dip can add a fiery kick to your falafel. Harissa is a North African chili paste that brings both heat and complex flavor. Mix it with yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamy, spicy dipping sauce.
Whipped Feta: Creamy and Tangy
Whipped feta, blended with herbs and olive oil, is a creamy and tangy spread that pairs beautifully with falafel. Its salty and savory notes enhance the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Breads and Wraps for Falafel
While pita bread is classic, there are other bread options to consider for serving with falafel.
Laffa Bread: Large and Soft Wrap
Laffa bread, a large and soft flatbread, is excellent for wrapping falafel along with your favorite toppings and sauces. Its generous size makes it perfect for creating substantial falafel wraps.
Wraps and Sandwiches: Customizable and Portable
Falafel balls are incredibly versatile for making wraps and sandwiches. Use pita, laffa, or even your favorite tortillas to create portable and customizable meals. Load them up with your choice of salads, dips, and vegetables for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Consider the Occasion
The best sides for falafel can also depend on the occasion.
Casual Lunch: Simple and Quick
For a casual lunch, a falafel bowl with hummus, tahini, a simple salad, and pita bread is quick, easy, and satisfying.
Dinner Party: Impressive Platter
For a dinner party, create an impressive Middle Eastern platter with falafel balls, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabouleh, fattoush, various pickles, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread. This allows guests to customize their plates and enjoy a variety of flavors and textures.
Appetizer Platter: Bite-Sized Delights
For an appetizer platter, serve falafel balls with an array of dips like hummus, tahini sauce, and tzatziki, along with small bowls of olives and pickles. This is perfect for sharing and allows guests to sample different combinations.
Conclusion
Figuring out “what to serve with falafel balls” opens up a world of culinary possibilities. From classic Middle Eastern sides like hummus and tabouleh to fresh salads and flavorful dips, the options are endless. Experiment with these suggestions to create your perfect falafel meal, whether it’s a quick lunch, a family dinner, or an impressive party spread. The key is to balance flavors and textures, creating a harmonious and delicious dining experience. Don’t be afraid to get creative and discover your own favorite falafel pairings!
